Research Analyst - Consumer & Retail Practice

JM Search & Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

JM Search is a leading retained executive search firm that partners with private equity and growth-focused organizations. This entry-level role offers exposure to market intelligence, industry research, and candidate profiling within a collaborative environment.

You will help prepare search materials, coordinate logistics, maintain the internal Thrive database, and support senior colleagues on client relationships, compliance, and pitch development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; competitive intelligence/knowledge management advanced studies a plus.
• Effective writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects concurrently.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Internet research, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Develop foundational business acumen by researching industry news, trends, and insights.
• Provide market and competitive analyses for current and prospective searches.
• Define ideal candidate profiles and lead candidate-pool development through online resources, networking, and internal databases.
• Assist in preparing search materials such as position descriptions, candidate write-ups, and update reports.
• Schedule and coordinate internal and client meetings, tracking deadlines and deliverables.
• Serve as primary internal contact for stakeholders, seeking guidance from senior team members.
• Maintain Thrive database with search data, resumes, compensation notes, and status updates.
• Support development of marketing collateral, search examples, market maps, and executive bios for pitches.
• Monitor industry developments and communicate trends impacting searches and business opportunities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Writing & editing

Multitasking

Internet research

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Description

About JM Search

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.

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.

Requirements

Competencies:

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

efforts.

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

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including a healthy 401(k) match, excellent health, vision, and dental benefits, and flexible working options. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.