Researcher, Executive Search (CFO practice team)

Egon Zehnder; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading leadership advisory firm based in Chicago is seeking a highly motivated Researcher to join their team. This role involves guiding internal teams in Executive Search projects, focusing on market research and delivering high-quality client documentation. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving and communication skills, with at least 3 years of professional experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $85,000 - $95,000 annually, reflecting the firm's commitment to developing leadership talent across various sectors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional work experience post-undergrad.
• Demonstrated functional experience in market research or consulting.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Guide internal client teams in Executive Search and Advisory projects.
• Research client performance and ecosystem at project onset.
• Create high-quality client documentation and deliverables.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Opportunity

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive candidate to join our Research team based in Chicago. 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 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.

Practice Team Summary

Finance executives have been securely positioned at the center of corporate and business strategies. Next to their financial skills these leaders need to be able to seize opportunities and forge strategic alliances, both internally and externally. They must also act as a full business partner to the rest of the C‑suite.

At Egon Zehnder, our CFO & Audit Chair Practice finds and develops leaders from across industries and geographies with the ability to lead organizations and transform businesses.

We continually track and identify top finance talent across all industries including Industrial, Manufacturing, Technology and Telecommunications, Life Sciences, Consumer Products, Services, Financial Services and Retail. Egon Zehnder has extensive experience working with our clients in building finance organization talent strategies, addressing succession planning and professional development. Our expertise spans the full spectrum of the finance function, including Accounting, Controlling, Internal Audit, Investor Relations, Financial Planning & Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions and Member of Audit Committee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research & Project Strategy

• Research the client, client’s performance, and their ecosystem at the start of a project
• Dictate and monitor project milestones and coordinate with various stakeholders to determine responsibilities
• Serve as the lead Research 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

• Develop an understanding of the Firm’s network and expertise to leverage their experience and knowledge in adapting and co‑creating a client‑centric approach
• 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
• Deepen existing areas of subject matter expertise, providing strategic guidance and high-quality insights on important trends and topics to support client teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 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

• Affinity and interest in the executive search or professional services industry
• Strong Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel capabilities
• Superior engagement management abilities and initiative to lead projects with minimal guidance or supervision
• Demonstrated ability to push back constructively and offer solutions
• Forward‑thinking, structured, and process‑oriented thinker
• Self‑starter mentality with good business judgment

About Egon Zehnder

Egon Zehnder is the world’s preeminent leadership advisory firm, inspiring leaders to navigate complex questions with human answers. We help organizations get to the heart of their leadership challenges and offer honest feedback and insights to help leaders realize their true being and purpose.

We are built on a foundation that supports partnership in the truest sense of the word and aligns our interests with the interests of our clients. Our 560 consultants across 64 offices and 36 countries are former industry and functional leaders who collaborate seamlessly across geographies, industries and functions to deliver the full power of the Firm to every client, every time.

We partner closely with public and private corporations, family‑owned enterprises, and non‑profit and government agencies to provide executive search, leadership solutions, CEO search and succession, and board advisory.

We believe that together we can transform people, organizations and the world through leadership.

Due to high volume, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all of the minimum requirements listed in the job description. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. The Recruiting team at Egon Zehnder will retain your application materials and may contact you regarding future opportunities.

(The salary for this role is $85,000 - $95,000 annually.)