Associate - 2025 Denver

As an Associate at SPMB, your primary responsibilities include managing candidate development for VP and C-level executive searches, collaborating with partners to strategize search approaches, and ensuring clear communication with clients regarding the progress of searches. You'll also play a vital role in building relationships with senior executives and managing the intricacies of day-to-day search operations.

To excel as an Associate at SPMB, you should have 2-4 years of progressive experience in executive search or internal recruiting. A solid understanding of client service in a high-performance environment is crucial, along with an undergraduate degree. Preferred attributes include a strong initiative, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with the firm's core values.

The Associate plays a crucial role in client success at SPMB by ensuring the right candidates are identified and engaged effectively. You will gather essential information about client needs, execute search strategies, and maintain open communication with the clients to keep them informed about candidate progress, ensuring efficient and effective search outcomes.

SPMB values the development of its team members, and Associates have the opportunity to grow into more senior roles within the firm. The exposure to high-level executive searches and interaction with top executives helps build valuable experience and skills, setting the stage for career advancement in executive search or related fields.

At SPMB, the work culture is collaborative and values the concept of 'We vs I'. Associates are encouraged to work together towards common goals, supporting one another while demonstrating ownership and initiative in their roles. This supportive atmosphere fosters learning, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

To effectively prioritize tasks, I would assess the urgency and importance of each search engagement, creating a structured timeline for deliverables. I also believe in maintaining constant communication with team members and clients to ensure alignment on expectations and timelines.

In my previous roles, I developed targeted sourcing strategies using various channels, including professional networks, industry events, and online platforms. It’s crucial to understand the specific needs of clients while also assessing candidates’ cultural fit within their organizations.

My motivation stems from the ability to connect people with incredible opportunities and help organizations thrive through leadership. Seeing the impact of a well-placed executive on a company's success is incredibly rewarding and drives me to excel in my work.

Building relationships with senior executives requires a genuine interest in their professional journey and understanding their industry challenges. I focus on open communication, actively listening, and providing insights that resonate with their goals, fostering trust and rapport.

I utilize a comprehensive approach to assess candidates by analyzing their professional background, understanding their career motivations, and aligning their skills with the role's requirements. Engaging them in meaningful conversations helps gauge both technical and cultural fit.

In a previous search for a high-stakes executive position, I faced difficulty in attracting qualified candidates due to competitive market dynamics. By leveraging my network and focusing on unique value propositions of the role, I successfully engaged top talent who were previously unaware of the opportunity.

I believe in setting clear expectations from the beginning regarding communication frequency and format. Regular updates, feedback sessions, and being available for discussions help maintain strong client relationships and transparency throughout the search process.

Market research is fundamental in my search process. It enables me to identify trends, understand client needs, and locate potential candidates by analyzing industry competitors. This well-informed approach increases the efficacy of candidate sourcing and placement.

I approach differing opinions with an open mind, encouraging discussion to find common ground based on data and client needs. Active listening and respectful dialogue facilitate collaborative decision-making, ultimately resulting in a more refined search strategy.

A successful Associate should embody strong communication skills, a client service mindset, and an ability to adapt to fast-paced changes. Additionally, being proactive in relationship building and showcasing analytical abilities contribute significantly to success in executive search.