Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant
ZS's Strategy Insights & Planning (SIP) teams partner with high-tech and software companies to solve their most critical commercial and go-to-market (GTM) questions. We combine structured strategy thinking, primary research, and analytics to help clients make confident decisions across product strategy, customer targeting, growth, and market entry.
You'll work on multiple engagements in parallel, collaborating closely with clients and cross-functional ZS teams to turn complex, ambiguous business problems into clear, insight-driven recommendations. This role is well suited for candidates who enjoy strategic problem solving, storytelling with data, and client interaction-and who want early exposure to senior decision-makers.
What you'll do
- Apply structured problem-solving frameworks to address strategic and GTM challenges for high-tech and software clients
- Design and execute market research, customer research, and competitive analyses to inform client decision-making
- Translate client questions into custom analyses and insights using tools such as Excel, Confirmit, ZS proprietary platforms, and other analytical resources
- Synthesize findings into clear, compelling executive-ready stories and recommendations
- Present insights to both client stakeholders and internal ZS teams through written deliverables and live discussions
- Build trusted client relationships and serve as a day-to-day point of contact on defined project workstreams
- Support project planning, timelines, and risk management to ensure high-quality delivery across multiple workstreams
- Contribute to the evolution of ZS methodologies, tools, and best practices
- Coach and mentor junior team members, supporting their professional growth
What you'll bring
- PhD or Masters with bachelor's degree in a field with quantitative coursework such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences and social sciences. In lieu of a PhD, 2-5 years of relevant post- study professional experience will be considered .
- High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiative
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Empathy, adaptability and high personal impact
- Strong attention to detail, with a quality-focused mindset
- Self-discipline for planning and organizing tasks
- Aptitude for, and enjoyment of, team leadership
- Fluency in English
- Client-first mentality
- Intense work ethic
- Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach
How you'll grow:
- Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
- Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
- Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions
Perks & 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. For details on total rewards in United States , visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS .
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com
Salary: $120,000.00 - $137,000.00
Top Skills
What We Do
ZS is a management consulting and technology firm that partners with companies to improve life and how we live it. We transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Founded in 1983, ZS has more than 15,000+ employees in over 40 offices worldwide.
Why Work With Us
ZS is home to passionate people who embrace innovative thinking, collaboration and a client-first mindset. Welcome to a company where new ideas are celebrated, curiosity is welcomed, learning opportunities are abundant and colleagues become lifelong connections.
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ZS Teams
ZS Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
The Flexible & Connected model is our ZS standard. ZSers decide where it makes the most sense for them to work each day given client or teamwork.



























































