Associate, Industrial Practice

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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Developed qualified and interested candidates for a portfolio of searches.
• Built strong…