Researcher

Research Lead

Location: New York City (Hybrid – 3 days per week in office)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive Research Lead to join the Expert team of a global powerhouse retained executive search and leadership advisory firm. In this fast paced role, the Research Lead will guide internal client teams of consultants and experts in the execution of Executive Search, Board, and Advisory projects for leading organizations within the Asset Management industry.

The Research Lead is responsible for project planning, market and candidate research, production of high quality client deliverables, business development support, and knowledge management. This individual will provide specialized market insight, strategic guidance, and client engagement support as a critical member of the engagement team, partnering closely with consultants to deliver impactful human capital solutions.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong problem solving capabilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a client driven environment.

Practice Overview – Asset Management

Our client is a globally recognized retained executive search firm operating across functions, sectors, and geographies. Within Asset Management, the firm partners with leading global and regional asset managers, alternative investment firms, private equity firms, hedge funds, credit platforms, real asset investors, and wealth management organizations.

The practice supports clients on senior leadership hiring, board succession, leadership assessment, and advisory mandates across traditional and alternative asset classes. Engagements span investment leadership, portfolio management, distribution, operations, risk, compliance, and corporate leadership roles.

The ideal candidate will bring exposure to the Asset Management or broader financial services ecosystem, with an interest in developing deep expertise within this sector.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research & Project Planning

• Deliver best in class market and candidate research, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and the ability to go deep to produce detailed candidate lists and market mappings within Asset Management
• Partner closely with Asset Management practice leaders to maintain and evolve market mappings on a regular cadence
• Communicate daily with project teams, proactively sharing updates, insights, and recommendations while anticipating future client needs
• Serve as the lead Expert on multiple simultaneous client engagements in collaboration with Consultants and other Experts
• Act as a thought partner to engagement teams by shaping rigorous research strategies, identifying priority targets, leveraging data tools, and defining market parameters to deliver scalable client solutions
• Guide project teams throughout the search lifecycle with a consistent focus on quality, accuracy, and speed
• Identify, assess, and prioritize potential candidates through in depth research, internal firm networks, and external resources
• Build a broad understanding of the firm’s full suite of offerings to help tailor solutions to specific client needs
• Produce high quality client materials including candidate profiles, role specifications, search strategies, assessment summaries, and progress reports

Business Development

• Partner with consultants to develop pitch decks and business development materials tailored to Asset Management clients
• Proactively contribute to business development initiatives by monitoring market trends, firm and fund activity, leadership moves, and industry developments
• Support consultants in building targeted invite lists for client events, industry conferences, and relationship driven business development activities

Knowledge Management

• Stay current on Asset Management market news and industry developments to support thought leadership and client insights
• Contribute to internal knowledge management by sharing best practices, building industry networks, and documenting relevant market intelligence
• Develop subject matter expertise within Asset Management, providing strategic guidance and high quality insights on key trends, talent dynamics, and organizational topics

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience post undergraduate
• Demonstrated experience in market research, qualitative research, professional services, consulting, or project based environments
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively
• Strong performance in fast paced, client oriented settings
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Very strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to the Asset Management industry or broader financial services sector
• Interest in executive search and leadership advisory work
• Ability to lead projects with minimal supervision and high accountability
• Comfort pushing back constructively and proposing solutions
• Structured, forward thinking, and process oriented mindset
• Self starter with sound business judgment