Overview:
Spencer Stuart is looking for an Associate for the Industrial Practice. This Associate will help solve CEO and other C‑level functional executive searches across sectors and will develop a specialization over time. With exposure to a broad set of clients and leadership challenges, the Associate will identify and develop diverse candidate slates as an essential member of the global search team.
The role is based in Chicago or New York City, with an expectation of spending a minimum of two days per week in the office.
Key Relationships Reports to:
Industrial Practice Leader
Consultants (on an assignment basis)
Other key Associate Practice Leader Relationships: Market Leader Analysts, Associates, Senior Associates, and Consultants
EEAs Talent Partner
Key Responsibilities:
Contribute actively to the start‑up phase of each search by participating in client kick‑off meetings with the Consultant and assisting in the development of the position specification, search strategy, and target list of companies.
Gather relevant information regarding the appropriate industries and target companies.
Identify potential prospects and sources and represent the client effectively in the marketplace, discussing the opportunity with relevant executives.
Validate potential candidates through reference and source calls.
Partner with the Consultant to develop and present a slate of qualified candidates to each client.
Anticipate what drives the search to closure and supply additional information such as industry/segment trends, market findings, reaction to the opportunity, and compensation data.
Contribute to the preparation of position specifications, candidate presentations, and reference reports adhering to the Firm’s assessment methodology.
Communicate effectively with the Consultant and Executive Assistant, remaining fully abreast of search developments to communicate accurately and credibly regarding the assignment.
Prepare organized information for client progress reports/meetings, teaming with the Consultant and Executive Assistant.
Provide an informed perspective on prospects/candidates and how they match against the key selection criteria.
Monitor activities and management changes in the relevant industry sector; keep team members apprised of market developments.
Continually add to the firm’s candidate pool expertise by identifying and introducing new talent.
Ensure up‑to‑date assignment, company, and candidate information is always available by leveraging technology and the proprietary database.
Contribute to responses to inquiries for new business and business development initiatives.
Be proactive about contributing to local, practice, or firm‑wide initiatives.
Coordinate and share practice‑related information with colleagues for broader distribution.
Ideal Experience 3+ years of progressive business experience in executive search, recruiting, talent acquisition, strategy consulting, or a relevant professional services environment, with significant time spent in client service.
Advancement of skills and knowledge evidenced through promotion or tenure.
Superior project management skills demonstrated through experience working in a high‑performance environment where multiple projects and competing demands are the norm.
Excellent communication skills shown through clear, structured, and concise written and verbal presentation.
Undergraduate degree required; postgraduate degree a plus.
Critical Leadership Capabilities Project Management Planned, managed, and drove own efforts to identify and develop a slate of quality candidates as measured by consultant, client, and candidate feedback.
Handled multiple projects with competing deadlines while managing differing styles and expectations.
Took an end‑to‑end view of each project, worked at pace with attention to detail, and maintained a sense of urgency.
Understood the search process from kick‑off to referencing, asked clarifying questions, and was proactive.
Met deadlines, remained resilient under pressure, and delivered commitments on time or notified early if deadlines would slip.
Candidate Development Developed qualified and interested candidates for a portfolio of searches.
Built strong contact management lists by observing and asking questions to fully understand issues.
Gathered relevant data, including from Third Party Sourcing, to determine capabilities, gaps, qualifications, and fit.
Articulated reasons for fit to specification succinctly.
Determined priority of potential candidates to approach.
Added meaningful notes in Quest and diligently used the initial assessment feature.
Credibility and Influence Communicated effectively both in writing and verbally, demonstrating executive presence and building relationships.
Hooked candidates and convinced consultants to meet them, building a strong internal brand.
Interacted with a range of stakeholders, appreciating differing styles and egos.
Became credible and authentic by observing colleagues and emulating role models.
Adapted verbal and written communications to expectations of role and audience, being confident, succinct, concise, prepared, and professional.
Market and Candidate Knowledge Obtained and incorporated knowledge to enhance client work meaningfully.
Used firm resources such as Quest, Passport, Global Information Services, Hoovers, and LinkedIn.
Identified executive movements, updated Quest in real time, and kept colleagues informed.
Demonstrated curiosity about people and businesses and understood business interrelationships.
Developing Self and Others Sought and provided feedback, modifying performance or behavior based on feedback.
Continually grew, learned, and enhanced skills and capabilities.
Was open to feedback and valued self‑development efforts.
Firm Values Championed the firm’s values, culture, and Code of Conduct; engaged, participated, and collaborated with others.
Accepted others’ opinions and encouraged teamwork.
Brought cultural awareness and sensitivity to interactions with colleagues.
Participated actively and contributed to internal activities, engaging in the office and practice community.
Represented Spencer Stuart positively, aligning behavior with firm values.
Compensation and Benefits:
The base compensation range for this position is $100,000‑130,000 per year, dependent on individual skills, experiences, and qualifications. This position is eligible for our annual discretionary bonus program. Spencer Stuart also offers a competitive benefits package, including a retirement savings plan with discretionary profit‑sharing contribution and employer match; PTO (minimum 15 days per year, increases with tenure); paid sick time (10 days per year); company holidays (12 days per year); paid leaves of absence when applicable; comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, and healthcare Flexible Spending Account; Life Insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability insurance; wellness benefits such as an employee assistance program, virtual mental health program, and mindfulness program; and voluntary benefit options such as supplemental life insurance, identity theft protection, and whole life insurance with long‑term care and critical illness coverage.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Spencer Stuart is a proud equal‑opportunity and affirmative‑action employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.
