Research Analyst

JM Search; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

JM Search is the leading retained executive search firm for private equity and growth-oriented organizations. We value continuous development and culture while identifying high-performing leaders.

This entry-level role supports foundational business acumen, market research, candidate profiling, and search logistics across client engagements. You will collaborate with recruiters and client partners to source candidates, prepare materials, maintain data integrity in Thrive, and help keep projects

Qualifications

• Entry level 0-2 years in recruiting, executive search or professional services.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; competitive intelligence/knowledge management a plus.
• Strong writing/editing skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop foundational business acumen by learning industry landscape and applying knowledge to research.
• Conduct industry and market research, including target companies and executives.
• Collaborate on candidate profiling and sourcing to build robust pools.
• Support search materials and documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Assist in scheduling, logistics, and project management to meet deadlines.
• Maintain internal client relationships under senior guidance.
• Keep Thrive and other databases up to date with candidate status and notes.
• Develop business pitch materials and contribute research for client opportunities.
• Stay informed of industry developments affecting searches.

Skills

Communication

Research

Writing & editing

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

JM Search is the leading retained executive search firm for private equity, and other growth oriented private and public organizations. We have spent more than 40 years identifying, attracting, and retaining high-performing company builders within our own firm and understand how to scale without sacrificing culture. We care deeply about providing continuous development opportunities for each member of our team – from recent graduates to our managing partners – and believe by caring for our people, they in turn care for our clients.

Responsibilities

Develop Foundational Business Acumen

• Actively build knowledge of the industry and market landscape by reviewing industry news, trends, and insights.
• Apply this knowledge to support existing searches and new business development opportunities.

Conduct Comprehensive Industry & Market Research

• Provide detailed market and competitive analyses, including information on target companies, key executives, and emerging trends.
• Collaborate with the Recruiter and Client Partner to translate research findings into actionable insights for current and prospective searches.

Collaborate on Candidate Profiling & Sourcing

• Work with the Recruiter and Client Partner to define the ideal candidate profile and key criteria/requirements.
• Lead candidate pool development by sourcing through online resources, networking channels, and the internal database, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.

Support Search Process Materials & Documentation

• Assist in preparing essential search documentation, such as position descriptions, candidate write-ups, update reports, and meeting recaps.
• Ensure that all materials are organized, accurate, and align with internal standards for compliance.

Execute Search Logistics & Project Management

• Help schedule and coordinate meetings—both internal and with clients—while staying aware of key deadlines and deliverables.
• Prepare and distribute necessary documents and maintain open communication channels to keep projects on track.
  • Help schedule and coordinate meetings—both internal and with clients—while staying aware of key deadlines and deliverables.
  • Prepare and distribute necessary documents and maintain open communication channels to keep projects on track.

  Manage Internal Client Relationships (with Senior Guidance)

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, ensuring timely and professional responses to requests.
  • Seek direction and feedback from senior team members to continually refine client management skills.

  Maintain Database Accuracy & Compliance

  • Update the internal database (e.g., Thrive) with the latest search information, including candidate status, resumes, compensation data, and notes.
  • Uphold data integrity by adhering to best practices and compliance standards.

  Assist in Developing Business Pitch Materials

  • Support the creation of marketing collateral, relevant search examples, market maps, and executive bios for new business pitches.
  • Contribute research and insights that highlight the firm’s capabilities and demonstrate industry expertise.

  Stay Informed of Industry Developments

  • Monitor and share relevant industry news as it relates to ongoing searches and potential business development opportunities.
  • Proactively identify and communicate trends or shifts that may impact clients or the firm’s areas of focus.

  Foundational Business Acumen - Develops an understanding of the industry and market landscape, actively engaging in learning opportunities and applying new knowledge to support research

  Industry & Market Research - Conducts preliminary research with guidance, showing curiosity and attention to detail in gathering and organizing relevant information.

  Candidate Sourcing - Sources candidates for client searches, displaying accuracy and care in identifying profiles that match initial search parameters.

  Internal Client Management Support - Interacts with internal clients under senior guidance, ensuring timely and professional responses to inquiries, while learning how to address client needs effectively.

  Search Logistics Execution & Compliance - Supports logistical elements (e.g., taking notes, updating search materials) efficiently, maintaining database accuracy and compliance with standards.

  Qualifications & Experience

  • Entry Level: 0-2 years of experience in a recruiting, executive search and/or professional services environment.
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred; competitive intelligence/knowledge management advanced studies a plus.
  • Effective writing and editing skills coupled with outstanding attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple research projects at once.
  • Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Must have proficiency in Internet research, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook