Associate - Executive Search (US)

Dear Future Colleague,

Thank you for your interest in working with us. We welcome you to explore our firm and together evaluate if a shared journey awaits us.

At its core, XQtiv is a global talent advisory firm. We are dedicated to solving complex talent problems for our clients from hiring top-notch talent to evaluating current and incumbent leaders.

Our clients come to us for three specific needs : First, when they have complex leadership roles to fill, and traditional vendors have failed. Second, when clients are looking for turnkey team build outs (from org design to strategy to sourcing to selection) and Third, when clients want to hire candidates above their weight class. What differentiates us is our collective experience and depth in business strategy, technology and talent, which helps us add precision to our solutions.

An associate at XQtiv would play a crucial role in driving our scientific and rigorous approach to executive search, combining analytical thinking with relationship building.

Strategic Research and Analysis

The associate would conduct deep-dive research into specific industries, companies, and talent pools, going beyond surface-level information. For example, in a healthcare analytics startup search, you'd need to understand not just the obvious talent pools but also adjacent sectors where transformative leaders might be found. This includes analyzing market trends, compensation structures, and emerging talent patterns.

Client and Project Management

Working closely with partners, you'd help manage complex search assignments from inception to completion. This involves understanding client business contexts deeply - whether it's a fintech firm building its first leadership team or a global pharmaceutical company seeking specialized talent. You'd help create detailed position specifications, project timelines, and status reports.

Talent Assessment and Evaluation

Using our scientific approach and tools, you will help evaluate candidates based on multiple dimensions. This isn't just about matching skills - it's about assessing leadership potential, cultural fit, and the ability to be a "force multiplier" in an organization. You'd conduct preliminary interviews, prepare assessment reports, and help partners make data-driven decisions.

Market Intelligence and Insights

As an associate, you'd contribute to building our knowledge base across healthcare, financial services, and technology sectors. This includes tracking industry movements, understanding emerging roles and capabilities, and identifying trends in talent markets across our global operations in Asia, Middle East, and Americas.

Relationship Building

You will help maintain and nurture relationships with both clients and candidates, ensuring authentic and meaningful engagement. This includes crafting compelling narratives about client opportunities and managing sophisticated professional relationships with senior executives.

Process Innovation

Given our commitment to "upending traditional models," associates are encouraged to think innovatively about search processes. You might contribute to improving our assessment methodologies, developing new research approaches, or enhancing our use of technology in search processes.

Support Business Development

You will assist partners in creating compelling client proposals, conducting market research for new opportunities, and preparing materials that demonstrate our unique value proposition and track record of success.

The role offers significant learning opportunities through exposure to various industries, business challenges, and leadership styles. As you work alongside experienced partners who bring diverse business experience, you'll develop a deep understanding of what makes organizations successful and how transformative talent can shape growth trajectories.

This position is ideal for someone who combines analytical rigor with strong interpersonal skills and has a genuine interest in understanding how leadership and talent drive business success. The role provides a unique vantage point to learn about different industries while developing expertise in talent assessment and organizational development.

What we value

• A go-getter mindset. We require entrepreneurial thinkers who are keen to learn and make an impact
• Strong curiosity. Asking questions and not settling for anything less than a “good” answer
• Ability to work to outcomes, either independently or as part of a team
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Attention to detail and analytical precision

Table Stakes

What you can expect

We look forward to speaking with you to understand how we can positively impact the careers of our candidates and shape the future of our clients.