(junior) Associate

Korn/Ferry International; India; Hybrid; INR 4,784,000 - 6,910,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry seeks a (junior) Associate for its Executive Search team in Brussels. You will collaborate with a Senior Client Partner on international executive search assignments across technology, telecommunications and digital infrastructure, serving senior leaders and boards.

This role offers autonomy, exposure to senior clients, and opportunities toward broader consulting responsibilities within a global network.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Confident and professional communication with senior executives.
• Proactive use of AI tools for research and content development.
• Ability to create executive-level reports and presentations.
• Strong project management, organisation and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Deliver international executive search assignments from strategy to completion.
• Conduct market analysis, talent mapping and candidate identification.
• Assess profiles and decide who progresses to next stage.
• Engage with senior executives by phone and direct communication.
• Prepare high-quality candidate profiles, market reports and client presentations.
• Manage search information accurately in internal systems and databases.
• Coordinate multiple assignments, stakeholders and deadlines.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Brussels and the Korn Ferry network.
• Contribute ideas and continuously improve delivery of assignments.

Skills

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Executive communication

Project management

Proactive communication

Decision making

Adaptability

Job description

Korn Ferryis a global consulting firm that powers performance. We unlock the potential in your people and unleash transformation across your business - synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth, and inspire a legacy of change. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking companies across every major industry turn to us - for a shared commitment to lasting impact and the bold ambition toBe More Than.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, our over 17,000 colleagues globally serve clients from more than 130 offices across the globe. We offer five core capabilities that span the full talent lifecycle:

• Organizational Strategy
• Assessment and Succession
• Talent Acquisition
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Total Rewards

The Opportunity

Korn Ferry is looking for a (junior) Associate to join our Executive Search team in Brussels.

You will work closely with an experienced Senior Client Partner on international executive search assignments, primarily across technology, telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The work includes senior leadership, CEO and board-level mandates across multiple European and international markets.

This role offers considerable autonomy and direct exposure to senior clients and executives. You will be trusted to make sound judgements, move assignments forward and take ownership of your work without requiring extensive day-to-day supervision.

Depending on your experience and ambition, the position can also provide a pathway towards broader client responsibility and a future consulting career.

What You Will Do

• Help deliver international executive search assignments from strategy through completion
• Conduct market analysis, talent mapping and candidate identification
• Assess profiles and determine which candidates should progress
• Engage directly with senior executives, primarily by telephone and through personal communication
• Prepare high-quality candidate profiles, market reports, status reports and client presentations
• Manage search information accurately within internal systems and databases
• Coordinate multiple assignments, stakeholders and deadlines
• Use AI tools to improve research, profile analysis, reporting and overall search execution
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Brussels and the wider international Korn Ferry network
• Contribute ideas, challenge assumptions and help continuously improve how assignments are delivered

What We Are Looking For

You may currently work in executive search, recruitment, talent intelligence, leadership advisory, research, consulting or another relevant professional-services environment.

More important than following one particular career path is your ability to demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Confident and professional communication with senior executives and clients
• Practical experience using AI tools for research, analysis or content development
• The ability to create clear, accurate and executive-level reports and presentations
• Strong project management, organisation and follow-through
• Confidence working independently and making informed decisions
• Proactive communication, including a willingness to pick up the phone
• High standards of accuracy, discretion and professional judgement
• Openness to feedback and the ability to learn quickly
• The drive to take ownership and progress work without waiting for detailed instructions

We are open to both experienced Associates and high-potentials who can leanr fast and contribute quickly. Executive search experience is valuable, but candidates from relevant research, talent intelligence, recruitment, consulting or professional-services backgrounds will be considered.

Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable

• Knowledge of technology, telecommunications or digital infrastructure
• Experience working across international markets
• Exposure to senior leadership, CEO or board-level assignments
• Experience in retained executive search, market intelligence or leadership advisory
• Experience operating within complex systems and databases

Sector expertise can be developed. Strong judgement, analytical capability, communication skills, learning agility and AI fluency are more important.

How You Will Work

This role is based in Brussels, but the assignments and working relationships are international. You will be part of the Brussels office community while collaborating regularly with colleagues and clients across different countries.

The Senior Client Partner will provide expertise, feedback and support, but will not closely manage every stage of your work. You should therefore be comfortable taking initiative, making decisions and continuing to move assignments forward when your manager is travelling or working with clients.

This environment will suit someone who values autonomy, direct feedback and the opportunity to learn through responsibility.

What Success Looks Like

During your first year, you will be expected to:

• Take ownership of key elements of international search assignments
• Apply sound judgement when identifying and assessing candidates
• Produce accurate, high-quality and client-ready work
• Use AI and technology confidently within the search process
• Communicate proactively with candidates, clients and colleagues
• Learn from feedback and avoid repeating mistakes
• Build trusted working relationships across an international network
• Demonstrate the potential to take on increasing responsibility

Why Join Korn Ferry?

• Work directly on international CEO, board and senior leadership assignments
• Learn from an experienced executive search leader with deep sector expertise
• Gain exposure to technology, telecommunications and digital infrastructure markets
• Build relationships with senior executives and clients across multiple countries
• Develop expertise in executive search, talent intelligence and leadership advisory
• Use AI and modern research tools as an important part of your everyday work
• Receive meaningful responsibility rather than being limited to narrow research tasks
• Build a potential pathway towards broader client and consulting responsibility

Selection Process

The selection process is expected to include:

• An interview with the Senior Client Partner and a close member of the international team
• A Korn Ferry assessment
• A further conversation with colleagues from the Brussels office
• A final office leadership conversation, where appropriate

The assessment will be considered alongside your experience, motivation, communication skills and overall suitability for the role.

Korn Ferry may useAIas part of its recruitment process, but all hiring decisions are made byhumans.

Internal Mobility at Korn Ferry

If you currently work for Korn Ferry or one of our affiliates, you must be eligible to apply for a different position within Korn Ferry to use the Careers Site. If you accept such a position, your benefits programs and Human Resources policies may change. Please consult with your HR contact for the new position concerning application eligibility, including any immigration/visa needs, benefit programs, and HR policies applicable to that position.

Korn Ferry is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.