Associate - Manufacturing

About the role

You will join a client service team and take ownership of a workstream to solve some of the toughest challenges our clients face. Your clients won't be just any clients—they'll be some of the most influential organizations around, from Fortune 500 giants to innovative startups. We will expect you to go the extra mile, delivering solutions that solve immediate problems and drive long-term change. We’ll rely on your judgment and integrity to ensure our recommendations are effective and long-lasting.

Responsibilities

• Help clients solve problems, refine strategies, and implement transformations
• Combine research, analyzing data, interviews, and brainstorming to generate fresh insights and breakthrough solutions
• Collaborate directly with clients and other McKinsey colleagues
• Equip clients with the tools and knowledge to continue innovating and improving after we’ve left

Requirements

• An advanced graduate degree (e.g., MBA, PhD, etc.) or equivalent work experience; requirements may vary by country or practice
• 6+ years of hands-on experience in a high-performance manufacturing environment, specifically demonstrating leadership skills in performance improvement & change management
• Strong interest and passion for coaching or mentoring clients
• Excellent organizational capabilities, including the ability to initiate tasks independently and see them through to completion
• Proficient in rational decision making based on data, facts, and logical reasoning
• Ability to create product-focused materials/outputs, which may include PowerPoint decks, Excel models, articles, or other written deliverables
• Exceptional time management to meet your responsibilities in a complex and largely autonomous work environment
• Willingness to travel up to 80%; ability to travel to and work in varying environments that may be challenging and/or not accessible (e.g., factories, hospitals, mines)
• Ability to work or attend meetings outside of traditional business hours or take on projects with limited or no notice at times
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in English, with the ability to adjust your style to suit different perspectives and seniority levels

Qualifications

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm’s diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients.
• World-class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family.