Research Analyst

OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE YOUR CAREER - It's about exceeding your potential.

The Executive Search division at Korn Ferry is one of the largest, and most experienced in the world. Over seen by Industry Partners across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, the business leads CEO, Board and Executive Leaderships mandates on behalf of preeminent organizations in key markets around the world.

We take great pride not only in attracting and hiring exceptional people, but also in providing them with the opportunities they need to develop their potential and realize their ambitions. Our aim is to enable you to build a career with impact. We will make sure you enjoy continuous learning - from your colleagues, on-the-job experience, and more formal programs.

As a Research Analyst, you will work as a core member of client engagement team supporting end-to-end executive search assignments (Board/ CEO/ Executive Leadership roles). You will combine research, market intelligence, and project coordination to help deliver high-quality candidate pipelines and client-ready insights. This role requires strong curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams with pace and precision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working closely with engagement teams which will include other Associates, Research Associates, Senior Associates and Consultants, the primary responsibilities of the Research Associate is:

Search Delivery & Candidate Development

• Partner with Consultants and engagement team to translate role requirements into a structured search strategy (targets, talent mapping, and sourcing approach)
• Identify and assess potential candidates using internal databases/tools, market networks, and external research sources
• Build longlists and talent maps with clear rationale (fit, relevant experience, track record, mobility, compensation considerations, etc.)
• Support outreach planning and candidate development through high-quality research, briefing notes, and market context

Business Development Support

• Contribute to pitch preparation by conducting sector/company research, competitor benchmarking, and relevant talent insights
• Support proposal development with market mapping, target lists, and client-ready perspectives on talent availability and trends
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to shape account strategy and search approach

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate key project milestones across multiple searches (kick-off, research phase, longlist/shortlist reviews, candidate updates, and reporting)
• Ensure timelines, documentation, and deliverables are managed effectively raise risks early and proactively manage dependencies
• Participate in internal and/or client calls/briefings, capture notes, actions, and follow-ups

Market & Organizational Research

• Conduct structured research on local, regional, and global organizations across relevant sectors
• Develop market intelligence on industry structure, leadership trends, organizational changes, and key talent movements
• Collaborate with colleagues across geographies and practice teams to leverage global knowledge and resources

Knowledge Management & Data Quality

• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential candidate/company records in Korn Ferry systems
• Ensure research outputs are well-organized, traceable, and reusable (target lists, talent maps, call notes, and market trackers)

Client-Ready Materials & Communication

• Create and manage high-quality client deliverables in PowerPoint and Word (updates, talent maps, market insights, longlists.
• Produce clear written summaries and candidate overviews with strong attention to detail and professional formatting

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-2+ years of experience in executive search research/ market research / consulting / or a similar client-facing, research-heavy role
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality research outputs under time pressure and with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrated comfort handling sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Articulate, cogent verbal communication skills and strong written communication skills.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Research & analysis: strong problem-solving, ability to connect information into insights and implications
• Project management: planning, prioritization, follow-through, and stakeholder coordination
• Communication: articulate verbal communication crisp, structured writing confidence in client-ready documents
• Relationship-building: able to collaborate across seniority levels and geographies professional and responsive
• Tools: strong proficiency in PowerPoint and Word comfort learning internal systems/CRMs quickly

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• High ownership mindset proactive, reliable, and responsive
• Intellectual curiosity and learning agility - enjoys varied topics and new industries
• Commercial thinking - connects research to client needs and search outcomes
• Strong judgement, maturity, and professionalism

EDUCATION

• Master's degree in science or management from a top tier institute
• STEM graduate (BE/B.Tech. preferred)