Associate, Financial Services

Spencer Stuart is seeking to recruit an Associate for the Financial Services Practice. This role will help solve Chief Executive Officer and other senior executive searches, with a focus on Global Banking & Markets (GBM) and/or Consumer Financial Services (CFS). The Associate will identify and develop diverse candidate slates as an essential member of the search team, combining project management, research, assessment, sourcing, validation, and relationship-building skills.

About the role

The Associate will work internally with a variety of Consultants and externally with diverse, senior-level executives and board members. Associates are expected to acquire deep and insightful candidate pool knowledge over time. The role is ideally based in New York City, with an expectation of being in the office for a minimum of two days a week. Early stages may require more in-office time to build relationships and engage with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the start-up phase of each search by participating in client kick-off meetings, assisting in the development of the position specification, search strategy, and target list of companies.
• Gather relevant information regarding industries and target companies, identify potential prospects and sources, and represent the client effectively in the marketplace.
• Validate potential candidates through reference and source calls.
• Partner with the Consultant to develop and present a slate of qualified candidates to each client, anticipating needs to drive the search to closure.
• 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 to remain fully abreast of search developments.
• Prepare organized information for client progress reports/meetings, providing an informed perspective on prospects/candidates.
• Monitor activities and management changes in the relevant industry sector and keep team members apprised of developments.
• Add to the firm’s candidate pool expertise by continually identifying and introducing new talent.
• Ensure up-to-date assignment, company, and candidate information is available for colleagues via the firm’s proprietary database.
• Contribute to responses for new business inquiries and business development initiatives.
• Proactively contribute to local, practice, or firm-wide initiatives and share practice-related information with colleagues.

Requirements

• 3+ years of progressive business experience in executive search, talent acquisition, financial services, investment banking, strategy consulting, or a related client-facing professional services environment.
• Advancement of skills and knowledge evidenced through promotion or tenure.
• Superior project management skills demonstrated through experience in a high-performance environment with multiple projects and competing demands.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear, structured, and concise written and verbal presentation.
• Undergraduate degree required; postgraduate degree a plus.

Skills

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and competing demands efficiently.
• Candidate Development: Identify, assess, and develop diverse candidate slates.
• Credibility and Influence: Build trust and influence with clients, candidates, and colleagues.
• Market and Candidate Knowledge: Develop deep expertise in relevant industries and candidate pools.
• Developing Self and Others: Commitment to continuous learning and collaboration.
• Firm Values: Champions Spencer Stuart’s values, culture, and Code of Conduct; engages and collaborates with others.

Benefits

• 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), and paid leaves of absence when applicable.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a healthcare flexible spending account.
• Life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Wellness benefits, including an employee assistance program, virtual mental health program, and mindfulness program.
• Voluntary benefit options, including supplemental life insurance, identity theft protection, and whole life insurance with long-term care and critical illness coverage.

Pay

The base compensation range for this position is $100,000–130,000 per year, dependent on individual skills, experiences, and qualifications. The position is also eligible for participation in an annual discretionary bonus program.