Senior Associate, Life Sciences

THE ROLE

The Senior Associate’s primary role is to manage the initial candidate identification and development process. In addition, the Senior Associate will assist Consultants, Principals, and Senior Partners in generating, managing, and/or executing search assignments, including developing potential candidates, screening, and presenting them to clients, as well as cultivating and maintaining client and candidate relationships.

As a vital member of the search team, you will have the ability to network with professionals and assist them in achieving their career objectives in organizations committed to improving the quality of life, assess a candidate’s skills against a client’s needs, and collaborate with colleagues across the firm.

This role may be performed in a hybrid or remote environment. This position offers a base salary of $85,000-$110,000 and is eligible for the Search Production Bonus plan. Salary within our ranges is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. WittKieffer offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401 (k), life, and disability insurances, and generous paid time off.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively participate in and/or lead the search process, including but not limited to working with clients and search committees, sourcing, interviewing, conducting references, negotiating, and closing assignments
• Build, manage, and nurture client and candidate relationships with the goal of securing repeat business.
• Participate in and/or lead client calls and meetings.
• Prepare materials for client meetings and presentations.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Support search consultants in the execution of search engagements. This includes creating search engagement strategies necessary to identify outstanding candidates and then executing the candidate identification and profiling processes through various primary and secondary sources.
• In conjunction with the search consultant and client, develop an effective and compelling presentation to market the role and client company to prospective candidates. Communicate the position profile to potential candidates.
• Understand the client position needs thoroughly, and execute accordingly, contacting, identifying, and screening candidates for the position "fit", from a content and functional perspective.
• Participate in candidate development. When appropriate, will manage candidates through the search process, including conducting candidate interviews, presenting candidates, and conducting reference checks.
• Conduct preliminary phone screen evaluations of candidates and assess a candidate's skills against a client's needs through a telephone interview.
• Proactively network and identify candidates in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Work closely with lead consultants as well as Research and Data Management.

The Senior Associate will be expected to accomplish the following in the first 12 months:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the full search process.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role a WittKieffer Senior Associate plays in the search process.
• Carry a full search load (approximately 10 searches).
• Have the ability to travel as needed.
• Demonstrate ability to appropriately assess potential candidate eligibility through telephone screening.
• Be seen by others as collaborative.
• Live the WittKieffer values.
• Gain a firm understanding of the industry their practice operates.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s strongly preferred.
• 5 years' experience in executive search, research capacity, recruitment, or industry-related experience.
• Significant previous experience and skill working with computer systems, databases, email, etc.
• Strong assessment skills.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, listening).

Critical Competencies:

• Strong Work Ethic: Search work activities and project outcomes often are defined by criteria outside of a senior associate's span of control. A senior associate's level of effort and thoroughness of process are key factors that contribute to a successful outcome.
• Team-Based and Collaborative: A successful search involves a team comprised of administrative staff, researchers, data managers, associates, consultants, and other personnel who support operations. It is essential that everyone be aware of the value of each member's role and be quick to award credit.
• Action-/Results-Oriented: Focused on the outcome of personal and teamwork; does not get bogged down in process; enjoys working hard and seizing opportunities; pushes self and others for results.
• Customer-Focused: Concerned for and dedicated to satisfying external and/or internal customers; works hard to understand the needs of customers and can adjust work style and products accordingly.
• Priority Setting: Spends own and others' time on what is important; zeroes in on the critical few and puts "the many" aside; demonstrates good time management skills.
• Assessment Skills: Has a nose for talent; can articulate strengths and weaknesses of people after short exposure; can separate performance and potential; makes accurate appraisals of others.
• Process Management: Manages multiple activities simultaneously; uses resources effectively and efficiently; creates processes to manage workflow and gets more out of fewer resources.
• Ethics and Values: Models firm values during both bad and good times and reinforces the right values in others.
• Listening: Attentive and active listener; hears people out; allows others to participate in conversations without dominating; gets the point of what others are saying.
• Results Orientation: Adherence to the identified process is important, but timeliness of work product and search completion within the client's parameters is key.
• Self-Starter: Each senior associate assumes the role of project manager. An individual who is more comfortable with a systematic timetable may struggle in an environment where initiative is key to success.