Researcher, Executive Search (CFO practice team)

Egon Zehnder•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive candidate to join our Research team based in Atlanta. In this fast-paced role, the Researcher will be responsible for guiding internal client teams of consultants and other Researchers in the execution of Executive Search, Board, and Advisory projects for multiple clients within an industry or function. Primary responsibilities include project planning, market and candidate research, the production of high-quality client deliverables, business development, and knowledge management. The Researcher provides specialized market insight, strategic guidance, and client engagement support as a crucial member of the client engagement team. In conjunction with internal consultant stakeholders, you will operate as part of a team that delivers powerful, effective human capital solutions to our clients. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance multiple projects at the same time. Finance executives have been securely positioned at the center of corporate and business strategies. Next to their financial skills these leaders need to be able to seize opportunities and forge strategic alliances, both internally and externally. They must also act as a full business partner to the rest of the C-suite. At Egon Zehnder, our CFO & Audit Chair Practice finds and develops leaders from across industries and geographies with the ability to lead organizations and transform businesses. We continually track and identify top finance talent across all industries including Industrial, Manufacturing, Technology and Telecommunications, Life Sciences, Consumer Products, Services, Financial Services and Retail. Egon Zehnder has extensive experience working with our clients in building finance organization talent strategies, addressing succession planning and professional development. Our expertise spans the full spectrum of the finance function, including Accounting, Controlling, Internal Audit, Investor Relations, Financial Planning & Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions and Member of Audit Committee.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
A minimum of 3 years’ professional work experience (post-undergrad)
Demonstrated functional experience of a similar nature (e.g., market research, qualitative or legal research, professional services/consulting, project planning)
Previous project-based experience working effectively on multiple mandates simultaneously
Ability to effectively operate in a fast-paced, client-driven environment
Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills
Excellent verbal and written communication ability
Demonstrates very strong attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Affinity and interest in the executive search or professional services industry
Strong Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel capabilities
Superior engagement management abilities and initiative to lead projects with minimal guidance or supervision
Demonstrated ability to push back constructively and offer solutions
Forward-thinking, structured, and process-oriented thinker
Self-starter mentality with good business judgment

Responsibilities

Research the client, client’s performance, and their ecosystem at the start of a project
Dictate and monitor project milestones and coordinate with various stakeholders to determine responsibilities
Serve as the lead Research for multiple simultaneous client projects in collaboration with Consultants and other Researchers
Act as a thought partner to the team on all aspects of projects by identifying and developing a rigorous approach and strategy (e.g., priority targets through market research, utilizing data tools, and scoping out parameters to deliver client solutions at scale and scope)
Guide the project team throughout the search processes to drive strategy, candidate solutions and supporting client materials with a consistent focus on quality and speed
Identify, calibrate and prioritize potential candidates through a thorough research process, the internal Firm network and external resources
Work broadly across different Firm offerings to continue developing a well-rounded understanding of our solutions to identify the best solutions for individual client needs
Create high-quality client documentation (e.g., candidate profiles, role specifications, search strategies, assessment and client progress reports, etc.)
Develop an understanding of the Firm’s network and expertise to leverage their experience and knowledge in adapting and co-creating a client-centric approach
Partner with client teams to develop pitch presentations and business development materials, adapting deliverables and solutions to address specific client needs
Proactively initiate, shape, and drive effective business development activities and other business-related projects, including monitoring relevant market shifts in a segment or function, company updates, and people moves
Act as a partner with consultants to build targeted event lists for business development-related dinners, conferences, and other points of connection
Contribute to the Firm’s knowledge management activities by looking for opportunities to share expertise and best practices, developing a network of people within an industry or functional area and recording pertinent information
Deepen existing areas of subject matter expertise, providing strategic guidance and high-quality insights on important trends and topics to support client teams