Associate

Major Responsibilities

• Gather key information from the client to gain a thorough understanding of the company, culture and position requirements.
• Collaborates with the Partner and analyst to develop and execute the search strategy.
• Develops key search documentation including position descriptions, candidate assessments, status updates and reference reference reports.
• Helps drive research efforts and strategy to ensure the identification of high quality candidates while serving as a mentor and coach to the analyst.
• Leverage large language models (LLMs) to analyze new industries, market segments and competitive landscapes to better understand our clients.
• Designs AI prompts to extract strategic insights on industries, companies and executives. 
• Contacts potential candidates to elicit interest and to assess the candidate’s fit to the position description.
• Teams with the Partner to provide our clients with an informed perspective on candidates and provide updates on the overall progress of the search assignment. 
• Ensures data capture of candidates, clients and search records within SPMB's databases. Add to the firm’s candidate pool expertise by identifying new talent.

Ideal Experience

• 2–4 years of progressive experience in executive search, internal recruiting, management consulting or software/technology sales where success depends on analytical thinking, relationship building, and strategic communication.
• Proven ability to excel in high-performance, client-facing environments that demand attention to detail, resilience and poise under pressure.
• Exposure to or curiosity about technology-driven industries from enterprise software and digital media to consumer tech, sustainability, or healthcare innovation.
• Skilled in leveraging CRM/ATS platforms to manage pipelines, track progress, and translate data into insight.
• Experienced or comfortable experimenting with AI-assisted tools to accelerate research, outreach and analysis.
• Demonstrated success in roles where process discipline, precision and presentation quality directly influenced client outcomes or revenue generation.
• An undergraduate degree is required.

Critical Capabilities for Success

• Candidate Development & Market Insight
• Navigates executive networks and technical sales landscapes with confidence; able to identify, engage, and assess senior talent through research, relationship-building, and persuasive communication.
• Translates business strategy and client objectives into actionable search strategies that connect leadership needs with market realities.
• Project & Process Management
• Operates with precision across multiple concurrent projects, balancing urgency with discipline and ensuring every detail is tracked and communicated.
• Anticipates partner and client needs, takes ownership of deliverables, and brings structure to ambiguity.
• Analytical & AI Fluency
• Synthesizes complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.
• Uses AI, automation, and creative prompt design to enhance speed, accuracy, and strategic thinking in research and reporting.
• Collaboration & Influence
• Builds trust quickly with partners, analysts, and clients by combining professionalism with authenticity.
• Uses influence and listening skills to align stakeholders, share insights, and drive progress toward shared goals.
• Communication & Professionalism
• Communicates with clarity, polish, and purpose both in writing and in conversation.
• Adapts style to the audience, from senior executives to internal collaborators, ensuring every interaction reinforces SPMB’s credibility and brand.

Preferred Attributes

• Initiative & drive
• Ownership mentality
• Team oriented
• Intellectually curious
• Quick learner
• Aligns with the firm’s core values & purpose