Strategy Consulting Associate Consultant

About the role

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, transforming ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. You’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers worldwide. As a Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant, you’ll partner with clients to design and deliver solutions that tackle a broad range of business challenges, working across multiple projects and problem types, leveraging data, market research, strategic thinking, and structured problem‑solving to develop actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Leverage structured problem‑solving skills and frameworks to develop solutions to complex client business problems
• Work across a variety of project types and business challenges, quickly learning new industries, topics, and problem areas
• Assist in structuring and conducting market research, primary research, and/or desk research to derive insights and support client decision‑making
• Design and conduct custom analyses using tools such as Excel, Access, Confirmit, and ZS proprietary software
• Synthesize complex information and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Communicate results and recommendations to clients and ZS teams through oral and written presentations
• Develop strong client relationships and serve as a key point of contact for certain aspects of projects
• Support management of project plans, including conducting status updates, identifying risks and issues, and helping keep projects on track
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines and contribute wherever needed based on evolving project needs
• Continue building your consulting, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities while contributing to the development of ZS's broader capabilities
• Mentor and support the development of Associates on your projects and teams

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree with a Bachelor's degree in a field with quantitative, analytical, or research‑based coursework, such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences, or social sciences. In lieu of a PhD, 2‑5 years of relevant post‑study professional experience will be considered
• 2‑5 years of relevant professional experience in consulting, strategy, analytics, market research, life sciences, or another environment requiring structured problem‑solving and client or stakeholder engagement
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to break down ambiguous business questions
• Intellectual curiosity and a strong willingness to learn new topics, methodologies, and areas of the business
• Adaptability and flexibility to work across different projects, clients, and types of business challenges
• Ability to learn quickly and become comfortable working in unfamiliar subject areas
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate insights and recommendations
• Strong attention to detail with a quality‑focused mindset
• Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and organize work while managing multiple responsibilities
• Collaborative, team‑oriented approach and willingness to contribute where needed
• Ability and interest in mentoring and supporting junior team members
• Maturity, personal initiative, and a client‑first mentality
• Fluency in English

Work authorization: Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.

Benefits

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways,