Underwood Executive is a specialist search and talent advisory firm focused on C-suite, leadership and critical appointments across South Australia and nationally. We partner with Boards, CEOs and leadership teams across private enterprise, government and not-for-profit sectors to secure high-impact talent.

Our culture is built on professionalism, accountability and high performance. We value individuals who are commercially curious, intellectually engaged, naturally driven and motivated to continually learn, improve and contribute at a high level.

We are seeking a Research Associate to support the delivery of search assignments and contribute to high-quality client outcomes. Working with the team, you will play a key role in market mapping, leadership talent identification, candidate engagement and search strategy execution.

Using research platforms, market intelligence, AI-enabled tools and direct market engagement, you will identify target organisations and high-calibre leadership talent aligned to client briefs. This will involve developing market insights, preparing candidate summaries, supporting strategic search activity and contributing to recruitment processes from briefing through to shortlist and appointment.

You will also support candidate engagement activities including initial conversations, talent pooling, market intelligence development, digital marketing campaigns and search process coordination across a diverse range of leadership assignments.

This role is ideally suited to someone who is naturally proactive, highly organised and commercially minded, with strong communication skills and genuine curiosity about business, leadership and people. You may come from recruitment, research, consulting, professional services or a commercially focused corporate environment.

We are interested in individuals who are intellectually curious and motivated by research, market intelligence and modern approaches to talent identification and engagement.

This opportunity offers direct exposure to senior leadership appointments, strategic client engagements and complex recruitment assignments across multiple industries and sectors. You will work closely with experienced consultants and gain insight into leadership assessment, market strategy and trusted advisory work at the highest levels of business.

For ambitious individuals seeking a long-term career in search and strategic talent advisory, this role provides a genuine pathway into consulting and leadership search.