Unlike recruitment (which can be a mixed world in some ways!), Executive Search sits firmly at the top of the appointment tree.  The territory of a Headhunter in the true sense is in a world where certain rules apply:

1.Appointments are of a seniority that the "universe of candidates" is a discrete, small pool, often considered to be “unmovable”

2.Traditional attraction methods like advertising are no longer effective - candidates need to be approached and engaged on specific vacancies

3.Appointments are critical to the business and require a high level of due diligence - Executive Search is about locating the best, rather than a, solution to an appointment need in a given snapshot of time. In the case of Board appointments a thorough due diligence process is required. For other Executive appointments a sense of the candidate's long term achievements, pedigree and historic performance is key

Typical appointments would include Chief Executives, Finance Directors, Commercial Directors and Chairmen, among others.  In all scenarios a detailed and robust research and qualification process is the key to success.

The Role

A Research Associate is central to the delivery of each assignment.  They will be responsible for understanding "the art of the possible": what the universe of candidates look like and how companies are structured in terms of individuals, teams, scale of divisions.

They will lead:

1.Candidate generation.  Research will involve traditional desk-based research as well as engaging with known sources in the market to understand the suitability of potential candidates in target companies

2.Initial screening: the research associate will have an in depth conversation with potential candidates to gain a sense of their skills and historic performance

3.Short-listing:  working with a Partner or Senior Consultant, the Research Associate will attend interviews, assist on candidate reports, and work with their Consultant and Client to arrive at a recommended shortlist

The Desired Candidate

Alongside those with prior Search Experience, our client is also seeking candidates with strong professional pedigrees in alternative fields who may be considering a career change.  Transferable professions include but are not restricted to Law, Investment Banking, Consultancy, related Professional Services.

Required Skills:

1.Excellent academics:  A minimum of a 2:1 degree from a leading university with ABB at A-level or equivalent

2.Outstanding written and oral communication skills with an appetite for a highly interactive and relationship orientated career

3.Strong attention to detail with an interest in research and an ability to be both creative and comprehensive

4.Tenacity, a driven personality and a strong sense of discretion and professionalism

5.0 - 4 years commercial experience in an Executive Search or other professional environment

Remuneration is commensurate with experience but is competitive.  A Research Associate can earn between £28,000 as a graduate, up to £50,000 as an experienced researcher.

Why Consider Search? 

1.     A professional career choice that values and utilizes your previous professional experience - no need to start at the proverbial "bottom of the ladder"

2.     A genuinely relationship orientated career that relies heavily on interpersonal skills

3.     A broad education in business:  the profession gives you genuine exposure to a wide array of industries and professions giving a real insight into the commercial and financial worlds

4.     Exposure to and the ability to work with industry leaders at the top of their professional careers.

5.     Work/ life balance - a professional career choice that embraces hard work and ambition but also allows for a life outside the office

6.     The opportunity to work as part of a team with peers and leaders from diverse background and strong professional pedigrees

7.     International exposure and the ability to use language skills