Graduate Research Associate – Executive Search

Graduate Associate – Executive SearchNewport Pagnell | Executive Search & Talent IntelligenceIf you're an ambitious graduate looking for a career that combines research, commercial thinking and relationship building, executive search offers an exceptional place to start.This is an opportunity to join our client, a specialist executive search and talent consultancy working with some of the world's best-known consumer brands. The firm helps global businesses identify and attract exceptional senior leadership talent, as well as providing the market intelligence and talent insights that support important hiring decisions.Working from the firm's Research Hub in Newport Pagnell, you'll become part of the team responsible for researching global markets, identifying senior talent and providing the insight behind live executive search assignments.From the outset, you'll work on real projects, develop an understanding of international businesses and markets, and have the opportunity to engage with senior professionals around the world.What You'll Be DoingResearching companies, industries and senior professionals across global consumer marketsMapping talent and identifying the individuals shaping leading organisationsBuilding a detailed understanding of different businesses, competitors and market trendsApproaching and engaging senior professionals as part of live executive search assignmentsBuilding long-term professional relationships with candidatesSupporting consultants throughout the search process, from initial research through to successful appointmentContributing to talent mapping, market intelligence and research projects that help clients make better hiring decisionsDeveloping specialist knowledge of the consumer goods sector and the organisations operating within itNo two projects are the same. You could be researching leadership talent for a global consumer brand, exploring a new international market or helping a client understand where the strongest talent sits within a particular sector.Who They're Looking ForA recent graduate with a strong academic backgroundNaturally curious and someone who genuinely enjoys research and finding informationA confident communicator who is comfortable speaking with people at all levelsCommercially aware and interested in understanding businesses, markets and peopleHighly organised with excellent attention to detailProactive, resilient and willing to take ownership of their workSomeone with the maturity and professionalism to communicate with senior-level individualsPrevious executive search or recruitment experience is not required. The firm is looking for someone with the intelligence, curiosity, work ethic and interpersonal skills to develop into a successful executive search professional.What You'll GainEarly involvement in live executive search and talent intelligence projectsExposure to major international consumer brands and senior business leadersThe opportunity to develop genuine expertise in research, markets and talentTraining and mentoring from experienced executive search professionalsInternational exposure through projects spanning different countries and marketsA varied role combining research, communication and commercial problem solvingClear opportunities to develop and progress as your experience growsLocationThis role is based at the firm's Newport Pagnell Research Hub and requires regular office attendance.Candidates should therefore live within approximately a 30-minute drive of Newport Pagnell and have their own transport, or be willing to relocate to the area.Why Executive Search?Executive search offers graduates the opportunity to develop commercial knowledge and a professional network far earlier than in many traditional graduate careers.You'll learn how businesses are structured, what makes successful leaders stand out and how major organisations make some of their most important hiring decisions – while developing skills in research, communication, relationship building and commercial thinking.For a bright, curious graduate who wants genuine responsibility and the opportunity to learn about global businesses from the inside, this is an excellent place to begin a long-term career.