Researcher, Executive Search

Egon Zehnder; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Egon Zehnder is seeking a proactive Researcher to support North American Executive Search, Board, and Advisory projects. You will guide internal client teams, plan projects, conduct market and candidate research, and produce high-quality deliverables for multiple clients.

The role emphasizes strategic insight, client engagement, and knowledge management, with opportunities to contribute across firm offerings and develop area expertise in evolving markets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional work experience (post-undergrad).
• Experience in market research, qualitative or legal research, or professional services/consulting.
• Experience managing multiple mandates simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead expert for multiple client projects in collaboration with consultants and researchers.
• Develop rigorous research strategies and priority targets for client solutions at scale.
• Guide project teams through search processes to ensure quality and speed.
• Create candidate profiles, search strategies, and client progress reports.
• Partner with consultants to build targeted business development materials and pitches.
• Contribute to knowledge management and share best practices within the firm.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Tools

Research databases

Data tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive candidate to join our Research team serving projects across North America. In this fast-paced role, the Researcher will be responsible for guiding internal client teams of consultants and other Researchers in the execution of Executive Search, Board, and Advisory projects for multiple clients within an industry or function. Primary responsibilities include project planning, market and candidate research, the production of high-quality client deliverables, business development, and knowledge management.

The Executive Search Researcher provides specialized market insight, strategic guidance, and client engagement support as a crucial member of the client engagement team. In conjunction with internal consultant stakeholders, you will operate as part of a team that delivers powerful, effective human capital solutions to our clients. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance multiple projects at the same time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research & Project Planning

• Serve as the lead Expert for multiple simultaneous client projects in collaboration with Consultants and other Researchers
• Act as a thought partner to the team on all aspects of projects by identifying and developing a rigorous approach and strategy (e.g., priority targets through market research, utilizing data tools, and scoping out parameters to deliver client solutions at scale and scope)
• Guide the project team throughout the search processes to drive strategy, candidate solutions and supporting client materials with a consistent focus on quality and speed
• Identify, calibrate and prioritize potential candidates through a thorough research process, the internal Firm network and external resources
• Work broadly across different Firm offerings to continue developing a well-rounded understanding of our solutions to identify the best solutions for individual client needs
• Create high-quality client documentation (e.g., candidate profiles, role specifications, search strategies, assessment and client progress reports, etc.)

Business Development

• Partner with client teams to develop pitch presentations and business development materials, adapting deliverables and solutions to address specific client needs
• Proactively initiate, shape, and drive effective business development activities and other business-related projects, including monitoring relevant market shifts in a segment or function, company updates, and people moves
• Act as a partner with consultants to build targeted event lists for business development-related dinners, conferences, and other points of connection

Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the Firm's knowledge management activities by looking for opportunities to share expertise and best practices, developing a network of people within an industry or functional area and recording pertinent information
• Develop an area of subject matter expertise, providing strategic guidance and high-quality insights on important trends and topics to support client teams

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years' professional work experience (post-undergrad)
• Demonstrated functional experience of a similar nature (e.g., market research, qualitative or legal research, professional services/consulting, project planning)
• Previous project-based experience working effectively on multiple mandates simultaneously
• Ability to effectively operate in a fast-paced, client-driven environment
• Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication ability
• Demonstrates very strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience in one or more areas related financial services, either academic or professional
• Affinity and interest in the executive search industry
• Superior engagement management abilities and initiative to lead projects with minimal guidance or supervision
• Demonstrated ability to push back constructively and offer solutions