Research Manager, Kensington International, Chicago/Oak Brook, IL

Posted October 1, 2018

In the Executive Search practice, The Research Manager is a high level individual contributor role responsible for all research and knowledge management activities to support our retained executive and middle management search practices. This role works closely with the Partners, Search Consultants and Associates on each search engagement brought into the firm, to provide relevant information leading to the successful outcome of each search. In addition to working closely with the Kensington employees, this person will manage the firm’s proprietary database. 

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Execute research strategy over the course of an entire search, including management of the database and third party name generation. This also includes the identification of target companies and potential candidates through internet research tools, our proprietary database and other relevant means.
• Where possible, attend client meetings with consultant to better understand parameters of each search.
• Participate in engagement kickoff meetings, adding value related to client company, industry, location, vertical trade associations, and identification of potential target companies.
• Creation of a written research strategy summary for each new search.
• Generate appropriate list of companies within various sectors to target for candidate name generation on a search by search basis.
• Play the lead role in candidate name and background generation along with function and / or company mapping for each search.
• Review preliminary backgrounds to determine “fit” for each role/search and to set / validate research direction.
• Manage, select, and engage external research/name generation firms for outside research as appropriate on individual projects.

• Oversee the maintenance and use of both our internal database and all external company information databases.

Qualifications Required

• Must be able to travel to our Oak Brook and/or Chicago offices 
•  The successful candidate will ideally have some experience in a research associate, analyst, or market research position in an applicable industry.
• The successful candidate will have strong business acumen and a thorough understanding of organizational structures including the meaning of different functions and position titles.
• Experience identifying individuals and company information through various research channels.
• An inquisitive nature; a “need to know,” outgoing, extroverted and tenacious.
• The ability to work independently and be trusted to complete tasks with minimal supervision, yet thrive within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple project assignments.
• Aptitude for building successful relationships with senior executives within the firm.
• Adaptable with the ability to learn firm systems and processes quickly.
• Ability to synthesize and “repackage” information.
• A Bachelor’s degree.  
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office products with experience in candidate database / applicant tracking and CRM management (i.e. FileFinder, Sales Force.com, Brass Ring, etc.).
• A passion for the Executive Search business and a desire to career path into one or more roles within our firm

Position Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive base salary, an attractive performance-based bonus opportunity and a comprehensive benefits package. The successful individual will be attracted to a culture that rewards production and at the same time, offers a collegial environment, marketing and sales tools and administrative support.

To apply, click here.