Senior Associate, Consumer

Korn Ferry

About The Position

The Senior Associate supports executive and professional search assignments across the Consumer sector, working alongside Managing Consultants and the Sector Leader. The role is responsible for the full search delivery cycle, from initial candidate identification through interviews and presentation of a shortlist to the client, delivering work to a high standard and within required timescales. Experience with consumer-focused industries and markets is highly preferred.

Requirements

Significant experience in a consulting or commercial environment, with good knowledge of and a network in the relevant vertical.
Demonstrable full life-cycle recruiting experience in retained search, including cold calling, developing search strategies, and client and candidate management.
A consultative mindset and ability to anticipate client needs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to quickly learn about different business environments and cultures and propose relevant solutions.
Ability to adapt to new processes and effectively manage change and ambiguity.
Willingness to live the company’s core values: Honesty, Inclusion, Knowledge, and Performance.

Nice To Haves

Experience recruiting within or supporting the Consumer sector, including consumer products, retail, e-commerce, apparel, luxury, food and beverage, hospitality, or related markets.
Exposure to consumer-focused industries and markets is highly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Research target organizations and industry sectors to help identify top talent for clients’ mid- to senior-level roles.
Source and map relevant markets, identify talent, and maintain accurate and reliable data.
Approach and qualify candidates against agreed competencies and criteria; create target lists, sourcing strategies, and long lists.
Interview candidates, prepare interview reports, and present shortlists to clients.
Provide client update reports weekly or bi-weekly as needed and maintain clear, consistent communication with candidates and clients.
Coordinate interview logistics, gather and provide interview feedback, present offers, manage negotiations, and support candidates through their notice period to ensure a smooth transition to their start date.
Use KPIs to improve and maintain productivity, candidate quality, and time to shortlist and hire.
Build industry relationships and maintain accurate market, client, and candidate information.
Manage and develop shortlisted candidates and maintain a strong, useful referral and networking base.
Contribute to process, career development, and training initiatives.
Conduct weekly searches to stay current on industry trends and developments, identify relevant future talent, and build relationships with high-potential candidates.
Share industry news, competitor search information, and market intelligence with Managing Consultants and the Sector Leader.
Build effective internal relationships and communicate proactively with colleagues, sharing knowledge and experience.