Analyst, Financial Services

Analyst role

Spencer Stuart seeks to recruit an Analyst for the Financial Services Practice who will be based in New York City. Analysts play a critical and visible role on our team. Working closely with Associates, Senior Associates, and Consultants, Analysts operate as thought partners in understanding client needs and gathering relevant research that contributes to the overall assignment strategy.

Analysts are responsible for supporting the assignment strategy by conducting comprehensive research and producing valuable resources for their teams, including talent mappings, target company lists, and pitch decks, along with various ad hoc research requests. Their insightful analyses and findings directly inform client-ready documents and bolster new business development initiatives, making them indispensable to the Firm’s success. Over time, Analysts are expected to cultivate industry expertise by staying informed about emerging trends and identifying "best-in-class" leaders and future talent.

Successful Analysts have the opportunity to pursue various career development paths and leadership opportunities, including advancement to the Consultant role. Throughout this journey, they cultivate highly transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, and problem-solving, positioning themselves for impactful careers in a variety of industries.

Key Relationships

Reports to: 

Director of Analysts, Director of Associates, or Research Director

Associates and Consultants (on a project basis)

Other Key Relationships:       

Consultants, Associates, Senior Associates

Executive Assistants

Director of Associates

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the client's industry, including its value proposition, competitive landscape, strengths and weaknesses, stock performance, and employee count. Synthesize this information accurately for easy integration into clear, client-ready documents.

• Stay updated on news and issues related to key client engagements and market opportunities, sharing relevant information promptly with Associates, Consultants, and Executive Assistants.

• Assist in detailed industry talent mapping and proactively identify high-potential executives. Leverage internal and external databases to research and provide commentary on executives, as well as to track executive movements.

• Participate in kick-off meetings with Associates and Consultants to assist in the development of the search and research strategy. Directly assist Associates with search-related tasks, such as the development of a talent pipeline and target lists.

• Develop industry and/or functional expertise by staying informed of industry trends and identifying “best in class” leaders and leaders of the future.

Ideal Experience

Successful candidates will be self-directed and independent, demonstrating an exceptional ability to proactively identify and address the evolving needs of our practice. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment characterized by high-volume, quick-turn tasks, seamlessly integrating client management with daily engagements to drive results.

Ideal candidates will possess an insatiable curiosity and a passion for conducting research that tells a compelling story. They will demonstrate advanced research skills, particularly in quantitative methodologies, and excel at articulating their findings in a clear and engaging manner. Their commitment to delivering the highest caliber of service will ensure maximum value for our clients.

Resilient and composed under pressure, they will skillfully juggle multiple priorities while showcasing an ownership mindset and unwavering results orientation, all while maintaining a low-ego approach. They will thrive in collaborative environments but also possess the ability to work independently, taking the initiative to drive projects forward. This combination of competencies will empower them to contribute meaningfully to our team's success and consistently exceed client expectations.

Specific experience should include:

• Recent, or soon-to-be university graduate.

• Strong academic performance is required (3.4+ GPA) in any area of study.

• Well-roundedness demonstrated through leadership experience in internships, work experience, community service, athletics, or roles in student-led organizations.

• Advanced research, analysis, and synthesis skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Self-directed and proactive in nature; resourceful, team-oriented, and tenacious.

• Highly proficient with MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).

• In possession of work authorizations necessary for the country in which you are applying.

Critical Capabilities for Success 

Project Management

Plan, manage, and drive own efforts in support of new business development and search assignment support as measured by timely completion of project tasks and feedback from project team members.  Handle multiple projects with competing deadlines, work with individuals who have differing styles, and manage challenging expectations.

• Provide accurate and timely research information about executives, organizations, markets, or other relevant sectors.

• Take ownership of the project by doing what is needed at all phases of the research process. Anticipate the next steps and act independently with minimal direction.

• Regularly reassess priorities to allocate resources effectively and proactively adjust your workload to provide additional support to the assignment team as needed.

• Deliver commitments on time or notify relevant parties promptly if issues arise or deadlines are at risk of being missed.

Problem Solving

Synthesize research for business development initiatives, search assignments or intellectual capital initiatives and provide a succinct and accurate point of view as measured by quality and timeliness of contribution to assignment/project objectives. 

• Listen and ask insightful questions.

• Leverage knowledge of an industry/function/sector and appropriate resources to gather relevant information.

• Subject researched facts to extensive analysis and interpretation before drawing conclusions.

• Make inferential leaps in thinking to reach a solution despite incomplete or ambiguous information.

• Make decisions rapidly, despite the complexity of the issues or pressures involved.

• Use effective business writing skills to create succinct, client-ready analyses and document information in Firm databases.

Impact and Effectiveness

Contribute to the efficiency and quality of teams to successfully meet project objectives as measured by Consultant, Associate and peer feedback while working with individuals who have differing styles.  Be authentic.

• Listen and ask questions to clarify understanding and demonstrate knowledge.

• Place team goals ahead of individual goals.

• Consider the needs of colleagues and adapt their own communication style accordingly.

• Clearly establish expectations and clarify tasks to optimize time and resources.

• Willingly assist beyond your assigned responsibilities when necessary.

• Raise issues early and to find solutions collaboratively.

• Remain poised when under pressure or managing unexpected challenges.

• Proactively share beneficial information while maintaining discretion.

Industry and Functional Knowledge

Obtain and incorporate knowledge to enhance client work in a meaningful way; know how to get information, effectively use the available firm resources, develop and share industry/functional knowledge.

• Identify executive movements in the market and update Quest (ideally in real time) and colleagues.

• Have a genuine interest and curiosity about relevant people and businesses; actively build personal awareness and team knowledge around the marketplace and the ecosystem of critical influencers and key agents.

• Understand how to identify and navigate the various relevant resources available (Quest, Capital IQ, D&B Hoovers, BoardEx, LinkedIn, etc.) as well as key people, leveraging both internal and external content and networks to drive distinct and unique insights and outcomes.

Development Self and Others

Develop self and others; seek and provide feedback, modify own performance or behavior based on feedback.  A successful Analyst is constantly growing, learning, and enhancing their skills and capabilities.

• Seek and be open to feedback from colleagues, place value on self-development efforts and opportunities for growth.

• Exhibit self-awareness and be willing to adjust your behavior for the benefit of the team.

Firm Values

Champion the Firm’s values, culture and Code of Conduct; engage, participate and collaborate with others. A successful Analyst, who people like working with, may over time also have a leadership role.

• Embrace diverse opinions and encourage teamwork.

• Promote inclusivity by bringing cultural awareness and sensitivity to every interaction with colleagues.

• Participate and contribute to internal activities; engage with office and practice.

• Represent Spencer Stuart well by speaking positively about the Firm and aligning your behavior with the Firm’s values.

• Conduct yourself in a manner that is consistent with the Firm’s values.

The base compensation range for this position is $65-68k per year. The actual base compensation offered within this range will be dependent on the individual’s skills, experiences, and qualifications. This position will be eligible to participate in our annual discretionary bonus program.

Spencer Stuart also offers a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Retirement savings plan with discretionary profit sharing contribution and employer match;

• PTO (minimum 15 days per year, increases with tenure), paid sick time (10 days per year), company holidays (12 days per year), and paid leaves of absence when applicable;

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and healthcare flexible spending account;

• Life Insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance;

• Wellness benefits, including an employee assistance program, virtual mental health program, and mindfulness program; and

• Voluntary benefit options, including supplemental life insurance, identity theft protection, and whole life insurance with long-term care and critical illness coverage.

Spencer Stuart is a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to non-discrimination without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.