Turkey’s dynamic economy, strategic geographical location, and highly educated workforce have made it a focal point for international investment. As more companies enter or expand in this fast-evolving market, the demand for strong leadership is on the rise. But finding senior-level professionals—especially with the right mix of global experience, sector knowledge, and local insights—can be challenging.
This article provides essential strategies for finding talents in Turkey, with a focus on executive and senior management recruitment. Whether you’re an international firm entering Turkey or a domestic company looking for new leadership, these executive search tips will help you navigate the market effectively.
1. Why Finding Senior Talent in Turkey Requires a Specialized Approach
While Turkey has a large and diverse workforce, executive search requires more than posting jobs online. The stakes are higher when hiring for C-level or director roles, and so are the expectations.
Key challenges in finding executive talent:
- Limited visibility: Senior candidates rarely apply via job portals
- Confidentiality: Sensitive roles require discreet recruitment
- Competition: Demand for senior talent in Turkey is outpacing supply in some industries
- Cultural fit: Leaders must balance global vision with local business practices
To address these, companies must adopt a targeted and strategic executive search process tailored to Turkey’s market realities.
2. Understanding Turkey’s Executive Talent Market
Before launching your search, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of the senior talent pool in Turkey.
Key characteristics:
- Well-educated: Many Turkish executives hold degrees from top institutions such as Boğaziçi University, Sabancı, METU, or international MBAs from the UK, US, or Germany.
- Multilingual: English is widely spoken in executive circles; many also speak French, German, or Arabic.
- Global exposure: A significant number of senior professionals have worked abroad or with multinational firms.
- Sector-focused: Strong executive communities exist in finance, FMCG, IT, construction, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
However, unlike in some Western markets, executive talent in Turkey tends to value loyalty, job security, and leadership reputation over pure compensation.
3. Where to Find Senior-Level Talent in Turkey
If you’re focused on finding talents in Turkey at the executive level, traditional recruitment strategies won’t be enough. Here’s where to look:
a. Executive Search Firms (Headhunters)
- These agencies specialize in C-suite, VP, and director-level roles.
- They use discreet methods such as direct outreach, market mapping, and talent benchmarking.
- Partnering with a firm experienced in Turkey ensures cultural and legal understanding.
b. LinkedIn (Targeted Search)
- Use LinkedIn Recruiter to search profiles by title, years of experience, industry, and location.
- Filter by those who have worked for multinational companies.
- Engage passively employed executives through personalized, value-based messages.
c. Professional Networks & Leadership Events
- Leverage local business associations such as:
- TUSIAD (Turkish Industry & Business Association)
- DEİK (Foreign Economic Relations Board)
- Chambers of Commerce and industry-specific groups
- Sponsor or attend executive-level networking events and roundtables.
d. Alumni Networks
- Reach out to alumni networks of top universities like:
- Koç University, Boğaziçi, Sabancı, METU
- Many alumni are working in key leadership roles across Turkey and abroad.
4. Top Sectors for Executive Talent in Turkey
The best executive search strategies often vary by sector. Here’s where Turkey’s senior talent pool is strongest:
1. Finance & Banking
- Istanbul is the financial capital, home to HQs of major banks and investment firms.
- Roles: CFO, Risk Director, Chief Compliance Officer
- Typical salary range (monthly gross): TRY 90,000–180,000
2. Technology & Startups
- Growing tech hubs in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir
- Roles: CTO, Head of Product, CIO
- Candidates often have global startup or SaaS experience
3. FMCG & Retail
- Multinational brands like Unilever, Coca-Cola, and P&G operate regionally from Istanbul
- Roles: GM, Commercial Director, Marketing VP
4. Manufacturing & Logistics
- Strong in Bursa, Izmit, Gaziantep, and Mersin
- Roles: Operations Director, Supply Chain Head, Factory GM
5. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Expanding pharma and medtech sectors
- Roles: Regulatory Affairs Director, Medical Director, R&D Executive
5. What Senior Candidates Expect in Turkey
To attract top executive talent, you need to offer more than just a salary.
Key motivators:
- Leadership autonomy: Turkish executives seek decision-making power, not just operational roles.
- Growth opportunities: Emphasis on long-term vision, regional expansion, or international exposure.
- Strong corporate governance: Talented leaders prefer ethical, well-structured companies.
- Work-life balance: Increasingly important, especially in urban centers like Istanbul.
- Prestige and impact: Reputation of the company and role significance matters.
Compensation:
- Executives in Turkey expect gross salaries (not net), often with performance bonuses, company car, stock options, and family health insurance.
6. Legal and HR Considerations
Hiring at the executive level comes with additional legal and HR complexity in Turkey.
a. Employment Contracts
- Must be in Turkish (bilingual is recommended)
- Include clauses on bonuses, confidentiality, non-compete, severance
b. Severance Pay
- Turkish labor law entitles employees to severance (1 month’s gross salary per year of service)
- For senior roles, negotiated golden parachutes or mutual separation agreements are common
c. Work Permits
- If hiring a foreign national, you must secure a work permit via the Ministry of Labor
- Consider hiring through an Employer of Record (EOR) if you don’t have a local entity
7. Tips for Conducting an Executive Search in Turkey
Here’s how to refine your approach to finding talents in Turkey at the leadership level:
✅ Define the Role Rigorously
- Go beyond title—clearly outline the business impact, KPIs, and cultural alignment
✅ Use Confidential Search
- Avoid public job ads; use executive search partners or internal HR channels to protect privacy
✅ Focus on Employer Branding
- Your reputation in the market will influence how top executives view your offer
✅ Build a Succession Plan
- Use your search to identify not just one leader but a shortlist of future candidates
✅ Offer Personalized Packages
- Tailor your offer based on what matters most to the individual—be it compensation, location, or board access
8. Alternative: Using an EOR for Senior Talent
If you’re hiring your first senior manager in Turkey but don’t have a legal entity yet, consider working with an Employer of Record (EOR).
EOR benefits:
- Legally employs the executive on your behalf
- Handles payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance
- Avoids the need to open a branch or subsidiary
- Enables fast onboarding of C-level hires or country managers
This is especially useful for foreign companies testing the Turkish market or building remote teams with local leadership.
9. Final Thoughts: Finding Talents in Turkey at the Executive Level
Finding talents in Turkey, especially at the executive level, requires deep market knowledge, cultural understanding, and strategic outreach. Whether you’re hiring a country manager, VP, or regional director, success depends on your ability to align global vision with local expertise.
Quick Takeaways:
| Key Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Market Knowledge | Executive search in Turkey requires insight |
| Local Networks | Access passive, hidden talent |
| Legal Compliance | Contracts, severance, and tax rules apply |
| Personalization | Leaders expect tailored offers and transparency |
| Strategic Hiring Models | Use EOR or headhunters for flexibility and speed |
Looking to hire senior talent in Turkey?
We help global companies find and onboard top executive talent across Turkey—legally, efficiently, and confidentially. Whether you’re building a local leadership team or need an interim director, our executive search and EOR solutions are here to support your goals.
📩 Contact us today to begin your search for the next leader of your business in Turkey.
