Research Associate, Executive Search
Position: Research Associate
Department: Executive Search
Location: Beijing or Shanghai, China
The Opportunity
Ginkgo Search Partners is an international executive search boutique specializing in retained executive search for international companies in China.
We are looking for a talented and ambitious Research Associate to join our executive search team in Beijing or Shanghai. As an integral member of the team, you will contribute to retained executive search assignments by developing innovative talent sourcing strategies, identifying and engaging qualified candidates, conducting market mapping, and supporting the successful delivery of leadership search projects across Greater China.
Working closely with experienced Consultants and Senior Consultants, you will gain exposure to every stage of the executive search process—from client advisory and market intelligence to candidate assessment and executive onboarding. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career in executive search while working with multinational corporations and internationally operating companies in a dynamic and entrepreneurial boutique environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop innovative talent sourcing strategies to identify and attract qualified leadership talent.
- Conduct candidate interviews and prepare confidential candidate reports for clients.
- Work closely with experienced Executive Search Consultants to understand client requirements and contribute to retained executive search assignments.
- Develop and apply research best practices, search methodologies, and innovative sourcing techniques.
- Manage research projects, including market mapping, talent intelligence, and candidate identification.
- Maintain and update candidate information in the firm's executive search database.
- Coordinate interviews between shortlisted candidates and Executive Search Consultants.
- Support Executive Search Consultants throughout every stage of the executive search process.
- Contribute to business development initiatives and gradually build your own client relationships.
- Conduct organizational mapping and title mapping of target companies across relevant industries.
- Provide administrative and project support to the executive search team.
Experience and Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
- 1–2 years of professional experience, ideally in executive search, recruitment, or a related professional services environment.
- Previous experience in an executive search firm or staffing agency is an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence in engaging senior professionals.
- Strong interest in executive search, leadership consulting, and international business.
- Creativity in applying innovative sourcing strategies and research methodologies combined with a structured and analytical approach.
- Excellent online research skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple search assignments and meet client deadlines.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and confidence working with databases and online research tools.
- Professional fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese; additional language skills are an advantage.
- Proactive, curious, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
- A collaborative team player with a positive attitude, strong initiative, and a client-focused mindset.
If you are interested in joining Ginkgo Search Partners, please send your CV and cover letter (both in English) to [email protected].
