Research Associate

Position Summary

The Associates are expected to work pro‑actively and efficiently on multiple client engagements through a combination of solid project management skills, proactive and quality search execution, ownership mentality, and strong, team‑oriented delivery to specific client needs. Each assignment is driven by a team, including at a minimum a Consultant, Associate, and Executive Assistant.

Key Relationships

• Reports to: Research Director, Greater China Consultants (on assignment/engagement basis)
• Key relationships include: Office Manager, Practice Leader/Practice Members, Consultants, Research Team, Executive Assistant, and cross‑team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in client kick‑off meetings and assist in developing the search strategy and target list of companies.
• Contribute to winning client pitches by providing benchmark candidate profiles and other background information.
• Assist in completing the HKEX board index, supporting research, data compilation, and validation of relevant board‑level information.
• Gather relevant industry and target company information, identify potential prospects and sources.
• Represent the client effectively in the marketplace and present a comprehensive universe of qualified candidates.
• Anticipate needs to drive the search to closure and provide additional information such as industry trends, market findings, and compensation data.
• Communicate effectively with the search team, keeping all parties abreast of search developments.
• Prepare organized information for client progress reports and meetings.
• Provide an informed perspective on prospects/candidates relative to the client’s selection criteria.
• Maintain up‑to‑date assignment, company, and candidate information, leveraging technology and the firm’s proprietary database.
• Stay aware of industry and functional changes, identifying and developing specialized expertise.
• Contribute to local, practice, or firm‑wide initiatives and share knowledge with broader distribution.
• Adhere to firm policies and standards for candidate validation, documentation, and assessment.

Candidate Profile – Ideal Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant executive search, leadership advisory, or strategy consulting environment.
• Domain or subject‑matter expertise in an industry or functional area (desired).
• Experience with psychometric instruments is highly advantageous.
• International mindset with experience working across borders.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and Cantonese (spoken); additional language skills a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferable.

Critical Capabilities

• Project Management: Plans, manages, and drives own efforts to identify and develop a slate of quality candidates while handling multiple projects, competing deadlines, and varying stakeholder styles.
• Candidate Development: Builds strong contact management lists, gathers relevant data from diverse sources, and articulates fit to specifications.
• Credibility and Influence: Communicates effectively, builds relationships with executive candidates, and portrays executive presence and professionalism.
• Market and Candidate Knowledge: Gathers, updates, and shares market intelligence, identifies executive movements, and maintains real‑time candidate pool data.

Personal Characteristics

• High curiosity and a drive to learn continuously.
• Strong adaptability to a variety of client and colleague styles.
• Excellent organization and prioritization abilities.
• Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information.
• Endurance and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities.
• Sound judgment and ability to work autonomously.
• Proactive problem prevention and proactive initiative.

EEO and Accessibility

Spencer Stuart is an Equal Employment Opportunity / affirmative action employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants to and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. For additional information on disability accommodations, contact: [protected-email-address].