Senior Research Analyst

Overview

We are a growing, partner-led, national retained executive search firm based in Boston seeking a Senior Research Analyst to support our partners and search team through high-quality research and analytical work. Our work is highly focused on private equity and their portfolio companies in building high-performing leadership teams through deep research and a highly consultative process. We support investors across the full investment lifecycle from deal diligence and leadership assessment through value-creation hires and exit readiness.

Our sector expertise spans technology, healthcare, industrials, consumer, and beyond. With a legacy dating back to 1987, our firm has developed long standing client partnerships, with more than 90 % of our work coming from repeat business and referrals. Our work requires deep market insight and speed. This role is ideal for someone with strong research instincts, attention to detail, and an interest in how organizations, leadership teams, and markets are structured.

Reporting to our Vice President of Research, the Senior Research Analyst is a core member of the research team and will play a critical role in supporting executive search assignments by identifying and evaluating potential candidates, conducting company and market research, and helping develop informed perspectives on talent landscapes. The Senior Research Analyst will help map executive talent markets and identify high-impact leaders.

This is a hands-on, analytical role that requires curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple work streams simultaneously.

While this role is ideally hybrid with time in our Wellesley or Boston office, we are open to considering strong remote candidates with the right experience and working style.

Candidate & Talent Research

• Support time-sensitive searches with accuracy, urgency, and attention to detail
• Maintain robust candidate pipelines and search documentation
• Conduct targeted candidate sourcing for executive search assignments across a range of industries and functions
• Identify, map, and assess potential candidates using a variety of research tools and methodologies
• Develop lists and talent pipelines in partnership with partners and search team members
• Maintain accurate, well-organized candidate records and research documentation

Company & Market Research

• Conduct in-depth company research to support search and business development efforts
• Develop market maps and competitive landscapes for specific roles, sectors, or functions
• Analyze talent trends, organizational structures, and leadership profiles within defined markets
• Support partners with research-based insights to inform search strategy and client discussions

Client Deliverables & Insights

• Produce high-quality written materials including market assessments, target lists, and candidate briefs
• Support preparation for client update calls, market mapping, and business development discussions
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism

Team & Search Support

• Collaborate closely with partners, recruiters, and operations colleagues to execute search assignments efficiently
• Track progress against research deliverables and adjust priorities as searches evolve
• Prepare research summaries, briefing materials, candidate profiles and internal updates
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in research processes and tools

Qualifications & Experience

• 2+ years of experience in retained executive search research, talent research, consulting, investment banking, or a related analytical role
• Experience in a small professional services environment strongly preferred
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to conduct structured research and synthesize complex information clearly
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-moving environment
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with CRM or search databases a plus, and comfort learning new tools and systems
• Familiarity with research tools
• Exposure to private equity and private equity–backed businesses preferred

Core Competencies / Personal Attributes

• Curious, analytical, and thoughtful in approach
• Highly organized with strong follow-through
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-focused, collaborative environment
• Reliable, proactive, and responsive to evolving priorities
• Interested in learning how executive search engagements are structured and delivered
• Sound judgment and discretion in confidential situations
• Strong work ethic and comfort operating in a high-expectation environment
• Collaborative approach with senior consultants
• Consistently high standards for quality, accuracy, and responsiveness
• Team player

Work Environment

• Hybrid role preferred, with in-office presence in Wellesley or Boston several days per week.
• Open to remote candidates with relevant professional services and executive search experience
• Collaborative,…