Research and Talent Associate

About the role

Underwood Executive is a specialist search and talent advisory business working on senior appointments for C-suite, leadership and other business-critical roles across South Australia and nationwide. The firm supports boards, chief executives and leadership teams in private enterprise, government and not-for-profit organisations to secure exceptional people.

The company culture places a strong emphasis on professionalism, ownership, strong performance and continuous learning. It is looking for someone who is commercially aware, intellectually engaged, self-driven and eager to keep improving and contributing at a high standard.

This position is designed for a Research Associate who will help deliver search engagements and support strong client outcomes. You will work with the team on market mapping, identifying leadership talent, engaging candidates and helping execute search strategies.

By using research tools, market intelligence, AI-enabled resources and direct outreach, you will help identify target organisations and high-calibre leaders that fit client requirements. The work includes building market insight, drafting candidate profiles, supporting strategic search activities and assisting recruitment processes from the initial briefing stage through to shortlist and appointment.

You will also contribute to candidate engagement, early-stage discussions, talent pool development, market intelligence gathering, digital campaigns and coordination across a variety of leadership searches.

This opportunity is well suited to someone who is organised, proactive and commercially minded, with strong communication ability and a genuine interest in business, leadership and people. Backgrounds in recruitment, research, consulting, professional services or other commercially focused corporate roles would be relevant.

The employer is especially interested in candidates who are curious and motivated by research, market analysis and modern approaches to identifying and engaging talent. The role provides direct exposure to senior appointments, strategic client work and complex recruitment assignments across multiple sectors.

You will work alongside experienced consultants and gain insight into leadership assessment, market strategy and trusted advisory work at a high level. For someone aiming for a long-term career in search and strategic talent advisory, this role offers a genuine pathway into consulting and leadership search.

Responsibilities

• Support search assignments by researching markets, organisations and leadership talent.
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for current and future appointments.
• Identify target companies and suitable senior candidates using research platforms, market data, AI-enabled tools and direct outreach.
• Prepare candidate summaries and market intelligence to support search decisions.
• Assist with candidate conversations, talent pooling and engagement activities.
• Contribute to digital marketing initiatives and coordination of the search process.
• Help guide search activity from initial client briefing through shortlist and final appointment.
• Work closely with consultants on strategic recruitment and advisory assignments.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and interest in business, leadership and people.
• Curiosity and motivation to learn, research and analyse markets.
• Proactive, driven and self-managed work style.
• Ability to contribute in a professional, high-performance environment.
• Background in recruitment, research, consulting, professional services or a commercially oriented corporate setting is desirable.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite role in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

Applications are to be sent in Word format addressed to Nicole Underwood. Confidential enquiries can be made on 8214 8020.

The role is intended for people seeking long-term growth in search, leadership advisory and consulting.

Career exposure

The position offers close involvement in leadership search, senior client engagements, market strategy and recruitment work across different industries and sectors.

You will gain hands-on experience with leadership assessment, advisory processes and AI-enabled research methods.