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Senior Associate OpportunitySENIOR ASSOCIATE

About us

Kincannon & Reed is a global executive search firm focused exclusively in the food, agribusiness, and life science industries. We are a trusted adviser to organizations, large and small, who feed the world and keep it healthy across the globe. The partners of Kincannon & Reed and almost all of our principals are former senior executives in our industries of focus. Founded in 1981 under governing principles that assure our clients excellence, value, and integrity, we take pride in offering a team-oriented culture with the professional flexibility of a completely virtual company. The firm is growing rapidly and expanding its global footprint.

About the position

The Senior Associate works in collaboration with the Principal, who is the primary Client interface, and will play a critical role in identifying and developing candidates and bringing the search to a successful conclusion. He/she will have the following responsibilities:

Research

• Gather information from Client, Principal, industry research, and sources to gain comprehensive understanding of the Client company, industry, and the position requirements.
• Contribute actively to the start-up phase of the search by participating in Client kick-off conference calls/meetings with the Principal and assisting in the development of the search strategy, continually refining the search strategy based on market or Client feedback.
• Use external and internal resources to gather data on potential candidates/sources, general industry information, and relevant target company data.
• Use K&R’s state-of-the-art database, to both retrieve information on relevant prior searches, candidate prospects, and industry sources and enter real-time data acquired on prospects, candidates, and sources.
• Call into target companies to identify relevant sources and prospects.

Candidate Development

• Represent Clients well in the marketplace (as measured by Client and prospect feedback) by providing sources/prospects with a clear understanding of the assignment and by observing aspects of confidentiality throughout the search process.
• Place calls to prospective candidates and sources to elicit interest in the opportunity, collecting information from contacted executives with respect to their professional backgrounds and education, obtaining referrals, and market feedback.
• Evaluate and assess potential candidates’ qualifications, interest level, and motivation for change.
• Present a comprehensive pool of qualified candidates to the Client by partnering with the Principal during the course of the assignment, and tracking and supplying additional information, such as related industry trends, compensation data, etc.
• Continuously build strong relationships with candidates and sources and remain knowledgeable regarding talent in the marketplace.
• Immediately communicate with prospects declined by Client or Principal.
• Participate in candidate interview logistics and creation of search document deliverables as necessary.
• Assist Principal with candidate referencing.

Project Management

• Communicate effectively and continuously with the Principal.
• Participate in regularly-scheduled Client update meetings, and anticipating the information needs of others.
• Maintain real time information entry on all search-related activities. Ensure the accuracy, quality and integrity of all search information in K&R’s database.
• Proactively look for opportunities to influence the forward momentum of searches to drive them to successful closure.

Firm-wide Participation

• Keep abreast of news, trends and changes in the industry/functional areas where K&R conducts searches.
• Add to the Firm’s database of knowledge and contribute to the Firm’s knowledge management activities by looking for opportunities to share expertise and best practices.
• Be willing and proactive about contributing to Research Team and Firm-wide initiatives.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years of post-undergraduate experience in a retained executive search firm, corporate executive recruiting function or research-related organization.
• Proven experience conducting candidate identification in multiple industries, using internet resources and telephone sourcing techniques.
• Strong competency with computer research including creative methodologies in obtaining business information and contacts.
• Proficient data entry and data management skills in candidate/applicant tracking systems.
• Comfort and competence using a PC, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• K&R has a strong preference for someone who has executive search experience in one or more of the industry sectors we serve: food (consumer packaged goods experience is relevant), agribusiness, life sciences, chemicals, and not-for-profit.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree desirable.
• Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, desirable

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Ability to interact with senior executives in a professional, polished way.
• Possessing high energy and a good phone presence, this individual will have the ability to quickly develop strong relationships.
• Personable, articulate, and persuasive, this person can communicate difficult and complex matters in a straightforward, transparent manner.
• Comfort in confidently cold-calling and eliciting information from absolute strangers.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written, with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage concurrent searches, balance multiple tasks, and switch gears while maintaining priorities.
• Strong Client service orientation, both internally and externally.
• A collegial, collaborative team orientation, with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves mentality where no job is too small.
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly and think beyond traditional methods to exceed Client’s expectations.
• Curious by nature, this person is a continuous learner and highly analytical.
• Detail-oriented while not losing track of the big picture.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency.
• The ability to maintain professionalism and honesty while building credibility, trust, and respect both internally and externally
• Ability to troubleshoot and find creative solutions for complex, hard-to-fill positions.
• Must be able to work from home, with a designated work space and consistent high-speed internet access.