Talent Manager

About Dragonfly Operating Partners

Dragonfly Operating Partners is a group of experienced executives dedicated to assisting promising startups in growth, scaling, and execution. In partnership with founders, CEOs, and investors, we focus on strategy, go-to-market, operations, and talent acquisition, and we are pioneering a disciplined, AI-driven method to find top-tier operators for our clients and portfolio companies. Joining us means leading this innovative approach.

Role Overview

We seek a Talent Manager with 3 to 5 years of experience in agency or executive search environments. This position is a hands-on, end-to-end search role, requiring independent management of searches and direct representation of Dragonfly to CEOs. It is not suited for recruiting leaders, generic internal HR roles, or high-volume recruitment desks.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct full-cycle recruitment including intake, role definition, sourcing, screening, interview coordination, reference checks, offer management, and closure.
• Collaborate closely with founders and CEOs to refine candidate profiles and provide clear, honest updates on search progress.
• Develop customized candidate pipelines through proactive outreach, referrals, and rigorous market research rather than relying solely on inbound applications.
• Evaluate candidates’ skills, motivation, executive presence, and cultural fit within startup environments.
• Utilize AI tools extensively throughout the search process – from screening resumes to preparing for interviews and summarizing evidence – while applying critical human judgment to all recommendations. Familiarity with Boardy.ai or similar platforms is essential.
• Ensure an outstanding candidate experience, maintain accurate search documentation, follow-ups, and reporting without need for supervision.

Success Metrics

Prioritize quality over quantity in all searches. Maintain a sense of urgency and organization, proactive communication, and ensure commitments and communications are consistently fulfilled.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of structured recruiting or executive search experience within agencies or search firms.
• Practical, client-facing involvement managing end-to-end placements, handling both client and candidate interactions through to successful closures.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to engage CEOs and senior leaders as peers.
• Strong aptitude and genuine enthusiasm for integrating AI in recruitment processes, along with the acumen to critically evaluate AI outputs.
• Highly self-motivated, able to work independently in a fully remote, US-based setting.

Preferred Attributes

• Self-driven with strong ownership mentality – independently manage tasks without need for direction.
• Executive presence—comfortable and credible when interacting with founders, CEOs, and investors.
• Combination of maturity and high energy — bringing sound judgment coupled with momentum and speed.
• Personable approach that fosters positive relationships with clients and candidates.
• Success-oriented mindset focused on completing high-quality placements and contributing to growth.
• AI-native work style — leveraging AI for efficiency and quality improvements, not merely as a mandate.

Screening Process

The hiring process involves the use of AI-assisted tools to evaluate candidates, including AI graded assessments and interviews alongside human decision-making. Candidates uncomfortable with AI-based evaluation or using AI tools in recruitment may find this role unsuitable.