Director of Business Development: European Permanent Recruitment (India Based)

Location: This role is physically based in India, serving the European market.

About Awilli Group

Founded in Basel, Switzerland in 2003, Awilli Group partners with organisations building and operating at scale across advanced semiconductor manufacturing, hyperscale data centre infrastructure and regulated life sciences. We identify and place the engineering, technical and leadership talent that these sectors depend on: from project directors and design leads through to specialist commissioning, quality and compliance roles. Positions are both based in India, and must have existing client and candidate networks in Europe respectively.

The Opportunity

Awilli Group is expanding its permanent recruitment capability across Europe. This role is physically based in India and is responsible for executing client acquisition and business development activity across the region, working within the broader strategy and direction set by company leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute client acquisition activity across Europe, in line with the company’s growth strategy for the region.
• Win client mandates at senior decision maker level within semiconductors, data centres, pharma and life sciences, and white collar engineering.
• Build and manage a recruitment delivery team as the business scales.
• Apply commercial terms, pricing, and service standards consistent with Awilli Group’s existing operations.
• Represent Awilli Group in day to day client engagements across Europe, working core hours aligned with European time zones from an India base.
• Report on pipeline, revenue, and growth against agreed targets.
• Work with existing Awilli Contracting and Recruitment teams to identify cross sell opportunities.

Requirements

• Previous industry experience in semiconductors, data centres, and/or life sciences required, either from recruiting into these sectors or from working within them directly.
• Track record in business development within permanent recruitment, ideally into European markets.
• Recruitment agency background strongly preferred over in-house or internal talent acquisition experience.
• Comfortable operating in a commission driven environment, with a track record of earning significant commission on top of base salary.
• Established client network within engineering, technical, or industrial sectors across Europe.
• Experience winning mandates directly from senior stakeholders, not through inherited accounts.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a business or desk from an early stage.
• Fluency in English required.
• Based in India and willing to work European hours, with travel across Europe as required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and uncapped commission.
• Profit share from the business built.
• Autonomy to shape client strategy and team structure within the direction set by leadership.
• Access to Awilli Group’s existing client relationships, delivery infrastructure, and back office support.

Work authorisation: Right to work in India required. 

Applications are treated as strictly confidential.