What is GCC Executive Search and Why It Matters For Companies Expanding Business and Teams?
- Saransh Garg
- May 30
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 7
Are you an IT company planning to expand or build your GCC (Global Capability Center) in India? Struggling to find leadership talent, niche tech experts, or even set up a strong foundational team across cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Pune? You're not alone. In 2025, thousands of global and Indian tech companies are doubling down on India as their strategic hub, but only those who get hiring right especially leadership hiring are truly scaling fast and sustainably. And that’s where GCC Executive Search in India comes in.
Why GCC Hiring is So Critical in 2025
As more IT companies move their core operations to India to tap into a vast talent pool and optimize costs, the need for hiring high-quality leadership, domain-specific experts, and engineering teams is at an all-time high. But here's the truth most companies don't see coming: the Indian talent market is extremely competitive and fragmented. Hiring the wrong candidate or delaying hiring for even 30–60 days can cost you millions.
If you're expanding your GCC in India without a recruitment strategy tailored to the Indian context without someone on the ground who understands local nuances, salary benchmarks, notice periods, and tech leadership expectations you’re already behind.
You need a partner who speaks your language and knows how to hire for every IT role, from DevOps Architects to SAP Consultants, from Engineering Managers to CISOs. That's where a specialized GCC executive search firm in India becomes invaluable. We help you hire top-tier leaders and tech teams for your GCC faster, smarter, and without compromises.
What is GCC Executive Search in India?
Global firms often assume that recruiting in India is just about posting on job boards or reaching out to candidates on LinkedIn. But hiring for a GCC is a different ball game altogether especially when building core leadership teams from scratch.
You can’t afford to treat GCC hiring like regular recruitment. Whether it’s a Chief Product Officer, a Cybersecurity Head, or a Platform Engineering Lead you need leaders who understand global business needs, have regional market experience, and are ready to drive transformation from day one.
GCC Executive Search in India is a specialized recruitment service tailored for companies building or expanding their capability centers in India. This service helps you:
Identify and attract C-suite and senior tech talent with proven experience.
Navigate complex hiring scenarios like passive talent search, buyouts, or dual offers.
Shorten your hiring cycle by using data-driven insights and local market intelligence.
Build scalable hiring strategies for both IT and non-IT roles.
Ready to talk? Let’s discuss how we can help you build your GCC leadership team. Fill out this short form and we’ll get back in 24 hours.
Why GCC Executive Search Matters Now More Than Ever in 2025
1. India is the #1 Destination for GCC Expansion in 2025
Every global IT and digital-first company from Silicon Valley to Singapore is targeting India for its tech expansion. Over 1,600+ GCCs operate in India today, and the number is expected to cross 2,500 by 2026.
That means the talent war is real. Finding senior engineers, cloud architects, DevOps leaders, and cybersecurity experts is harder than ever. Competing companies are offering flexible work, global roles, and better ESOPs. If you don’t act fast, your competitors will scoop up the talent you need.
A GCC executive search firm in India brings speed, strategy, and credibility to your hiring process. You get access to pre-screened passive talent, industry-specific leadership candidates, and proven hiring playbooks tailored for high-growth GCCs.
Need help building your cybersecurity team for your India GCC? Read how we helped a top IT company hire cybersecurity experts in 2025.
2. Leadership Hiring Defines Your GCC's Future
Setting up a GCC isn’t just about hiring engineers. It’s about hiring the right leaders people who can scale your India teams, retain talent, and align your India operations with your global roadmap.
Most internal TA teams aren’t equipped to evaluate leadership talent in a market like India. How do you assess their ability to lead hybrid teams? Can they scale a team from 20 to 200 while maintaining code quality, delivery, and culture?
As your GCC executive search partner, we specialize in leadership hiring for IT, with deep expertise in roles such as:
Head of Engineering
VP – Product
Head of Delivery
Platform Engineering Lead
Enterprise Architect
SAP Practice Head
Information Security Officer
We assess candidates not just on their resumes, but on their transformation stories, cultural fit, and business impact.
3. Common Questions IT Leaders Ask About GCC Hiring in India
Let’s answer the top search questions decision-makers like you are Googling right now:
What’s the best way to hire tech leaders for a new GCC in India?
Use a recruitment firm with a proven track record in GCC executive hiring. Don’t rely only on job boards or LinkedIn outreach. We use targeted headhunting, referrals, and confidential search techniques.
How long does it take to fill a VP Engineering or CTO role?
Anywhere from 30–60 days, depending on the complexity. With our bench of pre-evaluated candidates and leadership pipelines, we’ve closed VP roles within 21 days.
What cities in India are best for building GCC teams?
Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, NCR, and Ahmedabad are leading hubs. We guide you based on your industry, hiring goals, and available talent pool.
What roles are hardest to fill right now?
In 2025, these are in highest demand:
Cybersecurity Architects
Engineering Managers
Need help hiring a SAP team in Mumbai or a DevOps lead in Bangalore? Let’s connect. We’ve done it before, and we can do it for you too.
How We’ve Helped Companies Build & Expand GCCs in India
Let me walk you through real examples from 2025:
Case 1: Hiring an Entire DevOps and Security Leadership Team in Bangalore
One of our global SaaS clients was expanding its GCC in Bangalore. They needed to hire a Head of DevOps, Engineering Managers, and a Cybersecurity Lead all in 60 days.
Our Approach:
Ran a targeted executive search campaign across Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad.
Used our pre-qualified database of 15,000+ mid-to-senior tech professionals.
Offered real-time market salary benchmarks and competitor analysis.
Closed all positions within 52 days. Client scaled from 0 to 50 in 3 months.
Read our full case study: Hiring Cybersecurity Experts Across India in 2025
Case 2: Helping a US-based Product Company Hire SAP Leadership in Mumbai
A US-based logistics firm was setting up its GCC in Mumbai and needed a SAP ABAP Practice Head with experience in managing large delivery teams and P&L responsibility.
Our Solution:
Conducted passive executive search in Mumbai and Chennai.
Engaged candidates through exclusive, confidential search channels.
Offered transition support and negotiated notice buyouts.
Position closed in 32 days. The team now handles delivery for APAC.
Why You Should Work with a Recruitment Firm Specializing in GCC
Executive Search
Not all recruitment agencies understand the nuances of building capability centers in India. Generalist hiring partners may slow down your process or deliver poor-fit candidates.
You don’t have months to experiment. You need trusted hiring partners who speak the language of GCCs, understand the Indian hiring climate, and know how to engage leadership talent effectively.
We’ve helped IT companies, BPOs, and digital startups expand their teams across India. Whether you're hiring one leader or 100 engineers, we have you covered.
What Makes Us Different?
Access to passive talent pools you won’t find on LinkedIn.
Fast hiring turnarounds (30–45 days for leadership roles).
GCC hiring playbooks tailored to your growth stage.
360-degree onboarding support.
Extensive hiring experience across India’s top tech cities.
Planning your GCC expansion? Talk to us before you start hiring. Fill this short form and get a free consultation within 24 hours.
Strategic Takeaways
Let’s recap why GCC Executive Search in India is crucial for your success in 2025:
You’re not just hiring employees, you’re building future leaders.
India is the most competitive hiring market in the world right now.
Speed, quality, and cultural fit are everything in executive search.
A specialized recruitment agency is your strongest partner.
Setting up or growing your GCC in India in 2025 isn’t just about office space or tech stacks. It’s about people. The right leaders and teams can make or break your success here.
If you’re ready to hire fast, hire right, and build with confidence let’s partner.
Lets connect and discuss. Let’s make your GCC expansion in India a success story.
FAQs -Frequently Asked Question - GCC Executive Search
What is GCC Executive Search?
GCC Executive Search is the process of finding and hiring top-level leaders—like CEOs, CFOs, and Directors—for companies based in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.). These roles are often filled by Indian professionals with the help of specialized search firms.
Why is executive hiring important for GCC companies
expanding in India?
When a GCC company expands to India, it needs experienced leaders who understand both local and global business cultures. Executive search firms help find such professionals quickly and ensure they are the right fit for Indian operations.
How do companies in the Gulf find Indian executives?
Most companies use executive search agencies that specialize in cross-border hiring. These firms have deep networks in India and can identify, screen, and connect top leadership talent with Gulf-based employers expanding in India.
Can Indian professionals apply for GCC leadership roles?
Yes, many Indian professionals are hired for senior roles in Gulf countries or for leading India operations of GCC companies. Executive search firms act as a bridge between the talent and hiring companies.
Is executive search only for CEO or top-level positions?
Executive search mainly focuses on senior roles such as CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, VPs, and Directors. However, some firms also help with mid-level leadership hiring for strategic roles during expansions.
How does executive search help GCC companies in India?
It helps GCC companies find trusted, experienced leaders to set up and scale Indian operations. These leaders drive business growth, ensure compliance, and build strong local teams—saving time and reducing risk.
Are executive search services expensive?
Executive search is an investment, but it saves companies money in the long run by hiring the right people the first time. Most firms charge a percentage of the selected candidate’s first-year salary.
How long does it take to hire an executive for a GCC company in
India?
It usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks to hire the right executive. The timeline depends on the role, the availability of suitable candidates, and how fast the client company makes decisions.
How can you help us find the right people for our company?
Think of us as your personal talent scout! At Exlcareer, we're dedicated to finding the perfect match for your open positions. We'll handle everything from posting job ads to interviewing candidates and even onboarding new hires. Our team of experienced recruiters uses the latest tools and techniques to identify top talent, ensuring a smooth and successful hiring process.
Let Exlcareer handle your hiring needs. Contact us now to discuss your specific requirements and discover how we can help you attract the best talent.
Do you work with companies in my area?
We have a global reach but a strong presence in Delhi, India, and Dallas, Texas, United States. Whether you're looking to hire locally or internationally, Exlcareer can help you find the right talent for your company.
In India, we have covered more than 100+ cities some of the following cities:
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh and more.
In the United States, we have covered more than 20+ cities some of the following cities:
New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose and more.
What kinds of jobs ExlCareer specialize in?
We specialize in a wide range of roles, from entry-level to executive positions. Whether you need a software engineer, a customer service representative, or a marketing manager, we can help you find the perfect candidate.
Here are some examples of common roles we specialize in:
Technology: Software engineers, data scientists, DevOps engineers, IT project managers, cybersecurity analysts
Sales and Marketing: Sales representatives, marketing managers, content writers, social media managers, digital marketers
Finance and Accounting: Accountants, financial analysts, auditors, treasurers, controllers
Human Resources: HR managers, recruiters, HR generalists, compensation analysts, benefits specialists
Operations: Operations managers, supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, quality assurance analysts, customer service representatives
Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, pharmacists, healthcare administrators
Education: Teachers, professors, tutors, school administrators, counselors
Other Niche profiles
How long does the ExlCareer RPO process take?
The length of the RPO process can vary depending on the specific role and the complexity of the search. However, we strive to fill positions as quickly as possible without compromising on quality.
Our typical turnaround time is 24-48 hours. This means that we can often provide you with a shortlist of qualified candidates within just a few days of receiving your job requisition.
Here's how our RPO process works:
Initial consultation: We'll start by discussing your specific hiring needs and goals. This will help us understand the type of talent you're looking for and the timeline for filling the position.
Requirements analysis: Based on our initial consultation, we'll conduct a thorough analysis of your job requirements. This will help us identify the key skills and experience that candidates should have.
Candidate sourcing: We'll use a variety of sourcing methods to identify potential candidates for your role. This may include job boards, social media, employee referrals, and our extensive network of talent.
Candidate screening: We'll carefully review each candidate's resume and cover letter to ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications for the role. We may also conduct initial phone interviews to narrow down the pool of candidates.
Candidate presentation: Once we've identified the top candidates, we'll present them to you for your review. We'll provide you with detailed information about each candidate's qualifications and experience.
Job offer and onboarding: If you select a candidate, we'll help you extend a job offer and negotiate terms. We can also provide support with onboarding to ensure a smooth transition for the new hire.
Contact us now to discuss your requirements and learn more about how Exlcareer can help you find the right talent for your company.
How can I trust that you'll find the best candidates?
At Exlcareer, Our success is directly tied to your success, so we're dedicated to finding the best possible candidates for your open positions.
We utilize a rigorous screening process to evaluate each candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit. We also conduct thorough reference checks to verify their qualifications. Our goal is to present you with a shortlist of highly qualified candidates who align with your company's specific needs and values.
By partnering with Exlcareer, you can be confident that you're working with a trusted RPO firm that is dedicated to helping you achieve your hiring goals.
How soon can we start? And how to start?
We're ready to start working with you as soon as you are! To get started, simply contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team will discuss your specific hiring needs and provide you with a customized solution.
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