South Africa · Since 1978
South Africa's pre-eminent academic recruitment partner
An all-inclusive recruitment solutions group connecting universities, councils and corporates with the scarce, critical leadership talent that shapes their future.
45+
YEARS OF PRACTICE
13
VICE-CHANCELLORS PLACED
Lvl 1
B-BBEE CONTRIBUTOR
Award-winning
GEAR Advertising · Amara Awards
ResearchGate
Africa's appointed reseller
TRUSTED BY SOUTH AFRICA'S LEADING INSTITUTIONS & UNIVERSITIES
1978
The year our journey began, over four decades of continual growth.
13
Vice-Chancellor & Rector appointments, plus countless senior academics.
100
%
Proudly South African, home-grown B-BBEE Level 1 organisation.
6
mo
Guarantee on every placement, risk-free hiring decisions.
An incredible journey, 45 years on
WHO WE ARE
We listen, we advise, we deliver.
At Academic Partners we have observed, noted and adapted to an ever-changing educational landscape, bringing more meaningful and affordable products to bear. Be it the classic approach to academic recruitment we've become renowned for, or our new menu of piecemeal offerings designed to save you time and money.
WHAT WE DO
Regardless of your recruitment need,
we can provide a solution
From classic A to Z executive search to inexpensive bespoke products, a complete, all-inclusive menu built around how you actually hire.
01
Classic A to Z Recruitment
End-to-end accessing, assessing, pre-placement checks and post-placement support, including executive search and advertising.
02
Executive Search
Discreet, highly interactive headhunting of top-end corporate and academic leaders, retained, exclusive assignments only.
03
Bespoke Recruitment
Flexible, inexpensive piecemeal products, response handling, ABAC assessment, profiling or background checks à la carte.
04
GEAR Advertising
The ‘right’ copy and the ‘right’ mix of digital & print media, using the GEAR technique to convert passive readers into applicants.
05
Temporary Solutions
Provision of interim ‘gatekeeper’ talent, experienced executives to hold critical posts while you appoint permanently.
06
ResearchGate Postings
As Africa's official ResearchGate reseller, we place your roles in front of the continent's research and academic community.
OUR DIFFERENTIATOR
The ABAC™ method
The Activity-Based Assessment & Confirmation tool is intellectual property developed by Executive Partners, renowned for its ability to discern between those who ‘talk the walk’ and those who can actually walk the talk.
Developed specifically for local conditions, ABAC underpins every assignment, paired with behavioural profiling, ‘fitability’ interviewing and rigorous background checks.
THE GEAR TECHNIQUE
G
Grasp
Capture the attention of the passive, high-calibre reader.
E
Entice
Compel them to see themselves in the opportunity.
A
Align
Match ambition, values and capability to the mandate.
R
Response
Convert interest into quality, qualified applications.
HOW WE WORK
A deliberate, partner-led process
Every mandate is treated as unique. We shift the paradigm from working for you to partnering with you.
01
Orientation & DoU
A senior Key Accounts Director distils your mandate into a detailed Document of Understanding, signed off by both parties.
02
Access & attract
Executive search, advertised selection, or a subtle combination, engineered with GEAR copy to reach the right market.
03
Assess with ABAC
Discerning, practical screening against predefined criteria, captured in a transparent ‘matrix of overall response’.
04
Place & support
Fitability interviews, background checks, appointment, backed by a six-month placement guarantee and post-delivery care.
ONE GROUP, THREE SPECIALISMS
Our family of brands
Executive ABAC Talenting brings together complementary teams, each a specialist, all working as one.
Academic Partners
The classic, renowned approach to academic recruitment, accessing, assessing and securing scarce university leadership.
GEAR Advertising
The classic, renowned approach to academic recruitment, accessing, assessing and securing scarce university leadership.
Executive Partners
The classic, renowned approach to academic recruitment, accessing, assessing and securing scarce university leadership.
LATEST VACANCIES
Empowering your future today
AP1178Closing soon
Director: Protection Services (Permanent Appointment)
View & applyAP1177Director: Remuneration and HR Administration
View & applyAP1176Director: Employee Relations and Wellness
View & applyNot seeing your role?
Register your CV →Register your CV and hear about roles before they're advertised.
Our confidential registry is how many senior appointments begin.
IN OUR CLIENTS' WORDS
An unblemished record for on-time delivery
“
I’ve been involved with Academic Partners for many years and cherish their personal touch … never about money, more about client needs and adding value … team members complement one another … technically infused and aligned with UWC … particularly impressed with their professionalism, execution of engagements and the level of comfort I derived having them as our ‘partners’.
Manie Regal
Finance Executive
“
Just a word of thanks for your patience and diligence in terms of the UCT opportunity. Although I am in negotiation stage of potentially being taken on, it has been an interesting walk with Academic Partners. Regardless of the final outcome, I need to complement you personally on the manner in which you managed the whole process, which attests to the value that you add to your profession. Well done!
Nigel Haupt
Director, Physical Planning Unit
“
The Vice-Chancellor and Rector Assignment was afforded to Academic Partners as a result of them being highly recommended. In our 105 year history, this is the first time we have called for outside help in appointing our senior most post. Academic Partners initiated this assignment with convincing professionalism, enthusiasm and speed and made useful contributions in developing our need. The UFS Council also expressed it’s appreciation for the efficient and professional manner in which the assignment was conducted and concluded.
Lourens Geyer
HR Director
PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKS
Connected to the right communities
AFRICA'S APPOINTED RESELLER
ResearchGate
Our organisation is the official ResearchGate reseller for Africa, placing research-affiliated and commercial roles in front of millions of academics.
JOB BOARD PARTNER
unitalentza
A dedicated South African university jobs platform, extending the reach of every mandate across the higher-education sector.
LET'S BEGIN
Whether you're hiring or hunting, let's start the conversation.
Empowering your future today to help you win tomorrow. Tell us about your mandate, or register your talent with us.