Associate, Consumer Practice (Retail, Direct to Consumer, Apparel & Luxury Goods)

Associate Role

Spencer Stuart is seeking to recruit an Associate for the Consumer Practice . This Associate will have the opportunity to help solve Chief Executive Officer, Board Director, and other C-level functional executive searches, while working in partnership with several core Consultants, in the Retail, Director to Consumer, Apparel & Luxury Goods sectors. With exposure to a broad set of clients and leadership challenges, this Associate will help to identify and develop diverse candidate slates as an essential member of the search team. The Associate role combines research, assessment, and relationship-building skills to deliver extraordinary service and value to Spencer Stuart clients.

Successful candidates for the Associate position will have strong project management ability, writing skills, results orientation, rigorous attention to details, intellectual curiosity and ideally, understanding of the consumer retail industry sector. The Associate will enjoy the challenge of working internally with a variety of Consultants, and externally with diverse, senior-level executives and board members. Associates will be expected to acquire deep and insightful candidate pool knowledge over time.

The Associate will be based in New York .

Key Relationships :

Reports to : Consumer Practice Leader

Consultants (on an assignment basis)

Director of Associates

Other key relationships :

Market Leader

Analysts, Associates, Senior Associates, and Consultants, EEA's, Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the start-up phase of each search by participating in client kick-off meetings with the Consultant and assisting in the development of the position specification, search strategy and target list of companies.
• Gather relevant information regarding the appropriate industries and target companies. Identify potential prospects and sources and represent the client effectively in the marketplace, discussing the opportunity with relevant executives.
• Validate potential candidates through reference and source calls.
• Partner with the Consultant to develop and present a slate of qualified candidates to each client. Anticipate what needs to drive the search to closure and be prepared to supply additional information, such as related industry / segment trends, market findings, reaction to the opportunity, compensation data, etc., gained during the course of a search.
• Contribute to the preparation of position specifications, candidate presentations and reference reports adhering to the Firm's assessment methodology.
• Communicate effectively with the Consultant and Executive Assistant, and remain fully abreast of search developments, in order to communicate accurately and credibly regarding the assignment.
• Prepare organized information for the client progress reports / meetings by teaming with the Consultant and the Executive Assistant. Provide an informed perspective on prospects / candidates and how they match against the key selection criteria.
• Be aware of activities and management changes in the relevant industry's sector; keep team members apprised of relevant developments in the marketplace.
• Add to the firm's candidate pool expertise by continually identifying and introducing new talent to the firm. Ensure that up to date assignment, company and candidate information during the course of an assignment is always available for colleagues, by leveraging technology and information from the firm's state-of-the-art, proprietary database.
• Contribute to responses to inquiries for new business, as well as business development initiatives.
• Be willing and proactive about contributing to local, practice or firm-wide initiatives. Coordinate and share practice related information with colleagues for potentially broader distribution.

Ideal Experience :

Critical Capabilities for Success

Project Management

Plans, manages and drives own efforts to identify and develop a slate of quality candidates as measured by consultant, client and candidate feedback. The successful Associate will do this while handling multiple projects with competing deadlines, working with individuals who have differing styles, and managing challenging expectations :

Candidate Development

Develops qualified and interested candidates for portfolio of searches. A successful Associate will develop excellence in search strategy to build strong contact management lists :

Credibility and Influence

Communicates effectively both in writing and verbally; has "gravitas" (executive presence) and is able to build relationships. Able to hook candidates and convince consultants to meet them, building a strong internal brand :

Market and Candidate Knowledge

Obtains and incorporates knowledge to enhance client work in a meaningful way. Knows how to get information, effectively uses the available firm resources, developing and sharing candidate pool knowledge :

Developing Self and Others

Develops self and others; seeks and provides feedback, modifies own performance or behavior based on feedback. A successful Associate is constantly growing, learning and enhancing his / her skills and capabilities :

Firm Values

Champions the Firm's values, culture and Code of Conduct; engages, participates and collaborates with others. A successful Associate, who people like working with and who may over time also have a leadership role :

The base compensation range for this position is $100-130k per year. The actual base compensation offered within this range will be dependent on the individual's skills, experiences, and qualifications. This position will be eligible to participate in our