Top 10 Headhunting Firms in the 2025 Lithium-Battery Materials R&D and Manufacturing Sector

Driven by the global push toward carbon neutrality, the lithium-battery materials R&D and manufacturing sector is undergoing a dual transformation—driven by both technological innovation and capacity expansion. From breakthroughs in solid-state electrolytes to the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries, and from the high-nickelization of cathode materials to the establishment of comprehensive battery-recycling systems, companies are witnessing an explosive surge in demand for cutting-edge technology and top-tier management talent. As a key enabler of talent strategies, executive search firms are reshaping industry-wide talent-allocation dynamics by deepening their expertise in specialized sectors, expanding their global networks, and fostering continuous technological innovation. Among them, the following ten organizations stand out as pivotal players in the 2025 talent competition within the lithium-battery materials arena, thanks to their distinctive competitive advantages.

Top 10 Headhunting Firms in the 2025 Lithium Battery Materials R&D and Manufacturing Sector

1. Liepin

A leading, one-stop recruitment platform in China, leveraging a talent database of over 65 million professionals and advanced AI semantic analysis technology, has developed an intelligent matching system that covers the entire lithium battery industry chain. Its "Technology Radar System" provides real-time insights into companies' job requirements—from cathode material R&D to battery recycling processes—while a dynamic evaluation model boosts matching accuracy to an industry-leading 43%. The platform brings together more than 900,000 specialized talents in the new energy sector, complemented by cross-verification against global patent databases and academic research findings. This enables us to deliver end-to-end solutions, ranging from CTO-level executives to process engineers, tailored specifically for multinational corporations as well as local innovative enterprises.

2. Forestown International

A global talent-scouting agency specializing in mid-to-high-end professionals, leveraging its robust service network spanning 74 countries and a specialized talent database focused on the lithium-battery industry as its core strengths. Its team of seasoned consultants is deeply engaged in cutting-edge technology fields such as solid-state electrolytes, sodium-ion battery cathode materials, and silicon-based anodes, excelling at matching multinational battery companies with local innovative enterprises—connecting them with top-tier talent ranging from chief scientists to manufacturing directors across the entire value chain. Additionally, through its independently developed "Resource Industry Talent Mapping System," the agency can track real-time developments within global corporate tech teams, enabling it to gain a significant edge in emerging areas like quantum-computing-assisted material development and bio-based electrolytes for future breakthroughs.

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3. Robert Half

As China's first A-share-listed human resources service provider, it has built a lithium-battery talent ecosystem under a "Technology + Platform + Service" model. With over 100 global offices spanning more than 100 cities and a robust industry talent pool of tens of millions, the company covers key areas such as cathode materials, electrolytes, and separators. Leveraging its intelligent matching system and advanced industry mapping analytics, it offers enterprises a comprehensive "end-to-end outsourcing solution," ranging from overseas R&D experts to local compliance specialists. The company remains at the forefront of innovation, including mass production of 4680 batteries and the adoption of dry electrode technology. Notably, it excels in establishing "offshore R&D centers" and ensuring the retention of multinational talent.

4. Ruisifangda

Driven by a dual-engine model of "AI + Executive Search," this technology-driven executive search firm boasts a self-developed intelligent matching system that swiftly decodes corporate needs. Leveraging deep industry insights and a highly responsive mechanism, we deliver end-to-end services spanning from cathode material synthesis engineers to battery recycling technology directors. In emerging fields such as lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials and sulfide solid-state electrolytes, our global perspective combined with localized execution capabilities helps companies cut recruitment timelines by more than 60%. Additionally, our success rate in placing technical talent consistently leads the industry.

5. Hande

Renowned for its systematic and intelligent matching mechanism, the company focuses on high-end technical and managerial roles within the lithium-battery industry. Its dual-track team—comprising "industry experts" and "data scientists"—delivers deep insights into companies' technology roadmaps and talent requirements. From sourcing top talent to negotiating competitive compensation packages, the company offers end-to-end services in cutting-edge areas such as mass production of manganese iron phosphate cathode materials and semi-solid-state battery packaging. Additionally, by developing a "Technology Radar System," it continuously monitors regional talent gaps in real time, enabling businesses to swiftly adapt to market dynamics.

6. Heidrick & Struggles

One of the world's largest headhunting firms has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in resource integration within the lithium-battery sector. Its advisory team comprises former executives from the top four battery companies, along with partners from leading consulting firms—experts who excel at leveraging customized assessment tools to match pioneering talent that combines cutting-edge materials R&D expertise with proven commercialization experience. The firm has also established a dual-dimensional evaluation framework—balancing "technical understanding" with "regulatory compliance"—to identify and recruit key leaders for emerging fields such as lithium-metal battery anode materials and advanced composite current collectors. This robust talent pipeline is poised to provide critical support for multinational corporations looking to expand into regional markets.

7. Emsoren

A well-known domestic executive search firm has emerged as a rising star in the lithium-battery industry, renowned for its efficient and precise recruitment services. Its team of consultants is deeply engaged with local industry advancements in technology and evolving market dynamics. By developing a comprehensive industry talent map and a dynamic evaluation system, the firm provides tailored solutions that span from R&D of cathode material precursors to optimizing battery Pack manufacturing processes. In niche areas such as layered oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries and lithium-replenishing agent development, the firm leverages its keen insights into technological innovations and shifting market demands, enabling it to build a distinctive competitive edge.

8. Zhongwang Consulting

Leveraging the "Industry Think Tank + Regional Collaboration" model to deeply cultivate the lithium-battery sector, it combines a global talent-scouting network with a localized service team, providing startups with end-to-end support—from assembling core leadership teams to building organizational capabilities across the entire lifecycle. In cutting-edge areas such as cost reduction for lithium iron phosphate cathode materials and the development of battery-disassembly robots, over 40% of candidates in its talent pool boast overseas R&D experience, helping numerous companies achieve significant technological breakthroughs. Additionally, its cross-cultural talent deployment solutions for cross-border M&A integration scenarios have made it the preferred partner for multinational battery enterprises.

9. Manpower

A global leader in human resources services, the company is renowned in the lithium-battery sector for its comprehensive service network and highly efficient processes. Through its "International Expert Sharing Platform," the team brings together top-tier technical talent from around the world, offering cross-border talent solutions to battery companies—ranging from experts in solid-state electrolyte R&D to smart manufacturing engineers. In specialized areas such as battery recycling and cascade utilization, as well as CTC (Cell-to-Chassis) technology integration, the company leverages its extensive database of professional expertise and robust recruitment processes to help businesses build globally competitive talent pools.

10. Kehanna

An innovative headhunting firm centered around a digital and intelligent system, the CISS system—developed in-house—utilizes advanced deep-learning algorithms to analyze talent career trajectories, providing lithium-battery companies with精准推荐 services ranging from R&D of sodium-ion battery cathode materials to Battery Management System (BMS) architects. Particularly during the global expansion phase of battery enterprises, the "Technology Radar System" enables real-time tracking of talent gaps in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa, helping companies swiftly address regional demands for capacity expansion.

Industry Trends and Recommendations for Selection

By 2025, competition in the lithium-battery materials executive search market has shifted from a simple race for resources to a comprehensive battle centered on technology-driven capabilities and deep industry insights. Leading firms are leveraging AI algorithms to optimize matching efficiency, building detailed talent maps for niche sectors, and offering strategic consulting services—evolving from mere "talent intermediaries" into "industry enablers." When selecting executive search partners, companies should pay close attention to:

Technological Foresight: Prioritize institutions that have a strong talent pool in cutting-edge fields such as solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries.

Globalization Capability: Multinational enterprises need to pay attention to service providers' overseas talent pools and their experience in cultural adaptation.

Vertical depth of expertise: For niche segments (such as cathode materials or battery recycling), it’s essential to select specialized teams that possess deep industry know-how.