Client Development Analyst, Consumer Practice

Spencer Stuart • Chicago, NY

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Client Development Team (CDT) plays a pivotal role in driving Spencer Stuart’s business development strategy by enabling deeper, trust-based relationships with clients. Rather than focusing solely on transactional engagements, the team works to integrate talent agendas with client strategies, ensuring that clients experience the full strength of the firm. This involves forming cohesive client-service teams that operate across practices and geographies, aligning efforts to deliver long-term value. CDT initiatives include designing tailored approaches for key clients, fostering collaboration among consultants, and leveraging insights to strengthen strategic partnerships. In addition to client engagement, the CDT supports knowledge management and operational excellence across practices. Team members, such as Client Development Managers and Analysts, partner closely with consultants and practice leaders to prepare presentations, conduct research, and manage workflows that enhance client impact. The team also invests in learning and development programs to build capabilities in strategic account management, reflecting the firm’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in client service. Ultimately, CDT serves as a knowledge center for client growth initiatives, combining analytical rigor, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration to advance Spencer Stuart’s global priorities. Spencer Stuart seeks to recruit a Client Development Analyst (CDA) for the Consumer Practice who will be based in New York City or Chicago. The Analyst will be responsible for supporting varied client development and business generation projects for the Consumer Practice. Working closely with members of the Client Development Team (CDT) and consultants within the practice, the Analyst will also collaborate with colleagues across other Industry and Functional Practices as needed. The Analyst will perform in-depth research, prepare original analysis and insights, develop bespoke capabilities documents such as qualification packs (quals), manage other assignments as directed and ensure content is adequately and regularly stored and distributed to relevant audiences. Over time, it is expected that the Analyst will develop in expertise in tracking and analyzing consumer market trends and their impact on leadership and contributing to the development of strategic insights. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, seamlessly shifting between multiple projects while maintaining consistent momentum and delivering impactful results.

Requirements

• Recent college graduate or 1-3 years of work experience in a corporate environment, preferably in a research or marketing function, ideally within executive search, management consulting, other professional services, or market research (4-year bachelor's degree required).
• Strong client service skills and the ability to manage multiple projects toward tight timelines in an environment where competing demands are typical.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), with the ability to create client-ready presentations in PowerPoint.
• Experience and strong interest in designing and building compelling presentations on PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Advanced research, analysis, and synthesis skills with experience driving research projects to completion.
• Experience collecting and organizing information from databases and internet resources, with ability to analyze and synthesize data into various formats; familiar with business reference tools such as Capital IQ, LinkedIn, and BoardEx.
• In possession of permanent U.S. work authorization.
• Successful candidates will be self-directed, collaborative, team-spirited, comfortable with ambiguity, highly organized, detail-oriented and demonstrate strong project management skills.
• Demonstrate passion and ability for working with people, communicating clearly, approaching challenges with maturity and a positive attitude, and collaborating within a global team to drive greater business performance.
• Graceful under pressure, enjoy fast-paced environments, and be excellent multitaskers to partner directly with our consultants and associates across the Firm.

Nice To Haves

• Recent college graduate or 1-3 years of work experience in a corporate environment, preferably in a research or marketing function, ideally within executive search, management consulting, other professional services, or market research (4-year bachelor's degree required).
• Experience and strong interest in designing and building compelling presentations on PowerPoint.
• Familiar with business reference tools such as Capital IQ, LinkedIn, and BoardEx.

Responsibilities

• Support the creation of business development content and insights for pitches, relationship building, and strategic account planning.
• Use business research resources and Spencer Stuart's knowledge to develop "get smart" packages that go beyond "canned" content to provide an insightful understanding of the potential client's organization and industry.
• Synthesize information succinctly and clearly so that it is easily incorporated into client-ready documents.
• Assist in the creation of tailored pitch decks and client-facing business development materials, based on a solid understanding of the potential client/client’s industry, including function specific information regarding the “value proposition” (strategy, competitive landscape, culture insights, etc.).
• Develop insightful and sophisticated presentation materials in partnership with consultants, Client Development Director, and/or cross-function client development teams.
• Carry out research and analysis and liaise with consultants and client development team to support the creation and presentation of talent insights and market trends across all stages of prospecting – from new leads to competitive presentations.
• Assist in managing the practice’s knowledge infrastructure and content libraries.
• Help maintain tools and systems to assist in centralizing and organizing business development materials and presentations, credential lists, case studies, etc.
• Share learnings from pitches and business development initiatives across the Client Development Team (CDT) to ensure we are continuously refining and improving our processes, responsiveness, and pitch effectiveness.
• Respond to content queries received from consultants and teams and deliver resources that prepare them for success.
• Conduct research to support the creation of intellectual capital and leadership thought pieces.
• Use quantitative and qualitative information to clearly communicate and present data/details, as part of building talent insights, market trends and thought pieces.
• Develop a solid understanding of relevant functions, as well as the firm’s service offerings and the “SSI value proposition” (differentiation, competitive landscape, strengths, and weaknesses).
• Synthesize information accurately, so that it is easily incorporated into readable, client-ready documents, and pitches.
• Monitor and track relevant market developments, including competitive intelligence, company updates, and executive transitions, as part of proactive business development initiatives.
• Plan, manage, and drive own efforts in support of new business development and search assignment support as measured by timely completion of project tasks and feedback from project team members.
• Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, work with individuals who have differing styles, and manage challenging expectations.
• Provide accurate and timely research information about executives, organizations, markets, or other relevant sectors.
• Take ownership of the project by doing what is needed at all phases of the research process.
• Anticipate the next steps and act independently with minimal direction.
• Regularly reassess priorities to allocate resources effectively and proactively adjust your workload to provide additional support to the assignment team as needed.
• Deliver commitments on time or notify relevant parties promptly if issues arise or deadlines are at risk of being missed.
• Synthesize research for business development initiatives, search assignments or intellectual capital initiatives and provide a succinct and accurate point of view as measured by quality and timeliness of contribution to assignment/project objectives.
• Leverage knowledge of an industry, function, or sector and relevant resources to gather information.
• Subject researched facts to extensive analysis and interpretation before drawing conclusions.
• Make inferential leaps in thinking to reach a solution despite incomplete or ambiguous information.
• Make decisions rapidly, despite the complexity of the issues or pressures involved.
• Using effective business writing skills to create succinct, client-ready analyses and documenting information in Firm databases.
• Distilling large volumes of complex data and canned reports into focused insights that help pitch teams win more engagements.
• Contribute to the efficiency and quality of teams to successfully meet project objectives as measured by Consultant, Client Development Manager, and peer feedback while working with individuals who have differing styles.
• Be authentic. Listen and ask questions to clarify understanding and demonstrate knowledge.
• Place team goals ahead of individual goals.
• Consider the needs of colleagues and adapt their own communication style accordingly.
• Clearly establish expectations and clarify tasks to optimize time and resources.
• Willingly assist beyond your assigned responsibilities when necessary.
• Raise issues early and to find solutions collaboratively.
• Remain poised when under pressure or managing unexpected challenges.
• Proactively share beneficial information while maintaining discretion.
• Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally; has mature presence and is able to build broad-based relationships.
• Demonstrates strong networking capabilities.
• Obtain and incorporate knowledge to enhance client work in a meaningful way; know how to find the most relevant information, effectively use the available Firm resources, develop and share industry/functional knowledge.
• Have a genuine interest and curiosity about relevant people and businesses; actively build personal awareness and team knowledge around the marketplace and the ecosystem of critical influencers and key agents.
• Understand how to identify and navigate the various relevant resources available (Quest, Capital IQ, D&B Hoovers, BoardEx, LinkedIn, etc.) as well as key people, leveraging both internal and external content and networks to drive distinct and unique insights and outcomes.
• Develop self and others; seek and provide feedback, modify own performance or behavior based on feedback.
• Seek and be open to feedback from colleagues, place value on self-development efforts and opportunities for growth.
• Exhibit self-awareness and be willing to adjust your behavior for the benefit of the team.
• Champion the Firm’s values, culture and Code of Conduct; engage, participate and collaborate with others.
• Embrace diverse opinions and encourage teamwork.
• Promote inclusivity by bringing cultural awareness and sensitivity to every interaction with colleagues.
• Participate and contribute to internal activities; engage with office and practice.
• Represent Spencer Stuart well by speaking positively about the Firm and aligning your behavior with the Firm’s values.
• Conduct yourself in a manner that is consistent with the Firm’s values.

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)
• Paid leaves of absence when applicable
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Life Insurance
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level