Executive Search Associate

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At Occhio Search, we know that great leadership doesn’t just make a difference — it makes all the difference. That’s why we are passionate about identifying leaders who take initiative, build empowered teams, lead with vision, and deliver real and lasting impact in the organizations in which they work.

Occhio Search is a Saint Louis-based retained search firm dedicated to servicing a broad base of privately held and nonprofit clients. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn the retained search business ground‑up while working with experienced search consultants on high‑impact client engagements that span multiple industries and executive functions. Visit  to learn more about us!

As an Executive Search Associate, you'll use a smart mix of research and tech‑savvy recruitment tools to help our team zero in on prospective talent. Blending creative and analytical thinking, you will support a variety of active search engagements and business development activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Build and maintain robust candidate pipelines for executive search engagements.
• Engage talent through creative sourcing, outreach sequencing, follow‑ups and response tracking.
• Support front‑line screening efforts, assessing candidate fit in collaboration with search team.
• Develop authentic relationships while exhibiting empathy, responsiveness and an open mind.
• Conduct in‑depth industry, functional and market landscape research.
• Analyze market trends, competitors, compensation data, and organizational structures.
• Surface and document insights that inform search strategy and client recommendations.
• Manage multiple concurrent project requests with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Support search consultants throughout the entire search process, from launch through offer.
• Prepare client deliverables, search metrics, status reports and candidate presentations.
• Manage search timelines and ensure seamless execution of all project milestones.
• Launch external job posts across web, applicant tracking system, Linked In, and other platforms.
• Ensure highest level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards, at all times.

• Support both recruitment marketing needs as well as corporate/brand‑level marketing initiatives.
• Support firm visibility, generate thought leadership, keep abreast of search‑industry happenings.

You may not check every box or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, yet if you believe you can bring value, we encourage you to apply!

• 1-4+ years of relevant experience in research, recruiting, marketing, operations, journalism, HR/TA, politics, or another analytical communication‑driven field … internship experience counts!
• Exceptional research and analytical capabilities — you are a curious, creative and tenacious researcher, able to synthesize disparate data and leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability — you thrive in a dynamic, growing firm where no two days are the same. You're energized by wearing multiple hats, you excel at pivoting across project load, and you are driven to find answers independently.
• Systems and design thinker who keeps projects organized and communications moving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Tech‑savvy aptitude and quick learner of project management tools, cloud‑based platforms and AI.
• Strong technical proficiency across MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Interest in long‑term career growth within talent strategy with desire to learn the craft of executive search from experienced practitioners.
• Experience working in a Mac environment.
• Familiarity with Linked In Recruiter, CRM/ATS platforms, Hubspot, Wordpress.
• Client‑facing or customer service experience.
• Graphic design skills.

• Mentorship‑Driven, Entrepreneurial Culture: Work closely with seasoned search professionals who are…