Research Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking an experienced Researcher to lead its research platform. This role involves market research, candidate engagement, and collaboration with consultants to support search mandates. The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years of experience in a professional research role, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach.

Benefits

Exposure to industry-leading clients and top-tier investment professionals.

Direct mentorship and collaboration with experienced consultants and partners.

A friendly and supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a professional research role ideally within a retained financial services search environment.
• Intellectually curious with strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong market and industry research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information quickly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research and talent mapping across various investment sectors.
• Engage directly with high-calibre candidates at the top of their fields.
• Help shape search strategy and execution in a collaborative, team-led approach.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Job description

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Arkesden is a high-performing, boutique executive search firm partnering with leading global clients across the investment and financial services sectors. We operate in a collaborative fast-paced and intellectually stimulating environment, where every team member plays an integral role in the success of our searches. We are looking for an experienced career researcher to lead the research platform here at Arkesden Partners.

The Role:

As a Researcher, you will work across multiple desks, supporting and collaborating with all teams and senior leadership. This is a varied and dynamic position that provides broad exposure to the full search lifecycle, including market mapping, candidate engagement, client interaction and strategic input on search delivery. This role will lead the research analysis here at Arkesden Partners and be an integral part of the team. We are a friendly and inclusive team, yet we all work autonomously and bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a mature approach and a shared desire to achieve exceptional results. We set and uphold high standards in everything we do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth market research and talent mapping across various investment sectors
• Support and partner with consultants and senior leadership on retained search mandates.
• Engage directly with high-calibre candidates at the top of their fields.
• Attend client briefings and cross-selling meetings alongside Partners.
• Develop a deep understanding of client objectives and challenges to deliver tailored research solutions.
• Contribute to longlist and shortlist strategies, maintaining our high standards of delivery.
• Help shape search strategy and execution in a collaborative, team-led approach.
• Take ownership of candidate outreach, assessment and engagement throughout the process.

What We Offer:

• Exposure to industry-leading clients and top-tier investment professionals.
• An intellectually engaging, research-led search environment.
• A friendly and supportive team culture within a highly professional firm.
• A motivating cadence of work – fast-moving but not overwhelming.
• Direct mentorship and collaboration with experienced consultants and partners.
• The opportunity to grow into a 360 role and take ownership research requirements across the firm.

Candidate Profile:

• Intellectually curious with strong research and analytical skills.
• Confident communicator, capable of engaging with senior professionals..
• Highly organised and proactive with a keen eye for detail and experience managing multiple projects.
• Comfortable working in a high-standard, high-trust environment.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative setting.
• Strong market and industry research skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information quickly.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a professional research role ideally within a retained financial services search environment.