Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant: Commercial StrategyZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem-solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership. We are seeking an Associate Consultant to join our Commercial Strategy team, partnering with leading life sciences organizations on complex commercialization challenges. In this role, you will help clients shape strategies across areas such as launch and growth strategy, customer strategy, go-to-market planning, portfolio strategy, capability development, organizational design, and resource optimization. You will work alongside senior client stakeholders and ZS teams to structure ambiguous business questions, integrate quantitative and qualitative perspectives, and translate insights into clear strategic recommendations that drive business impact.
What you'll do - Apply structured problem-solving approaches to complex and often ambiguous commercial business challenges.
- Support commercial strategy engagements across areas such as launch and growth strategy, customer strategy, go-to-market planning, portfolio strategy, capability development, organizational design, and resource optimization.
- Use quantitative and qualitative information to develop insights, evaluate strategic alternatives, and inform client decision-making.
- Synthesize complex information into clear, compelling recommendations and client-ready presentations that connect insights to business implications and actions.
- Collaborate with clients, internal teams, and senior stakeholders to understand business priorities, align perspectives, and drive high-quality outcomes.
- Manage assigned workstreams and contribute to day-to-day project execution, including structuring activities, coordinating across teams, managing timelines, and ensuring project goals and deadlines are met.
- Develop strong client relationships and serve as a trusted point of contact on specific aspects of engagements.
- Contribute perspectives and ideas that strengthen project work, client engagements, and ZS's broader commercial strategy capabilities.
- Mentor and support the development of Associates on your projects and teams.
What you'll bring - Bachelor's or master's degree with strong academic performance in a relevant field such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences, or social sciences.
- 2-4 years of relevant post-collegiate professional experience, preferably within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, or consulting industries. In lieu of professional experience, candidates with a PhD may be considered.
- Experience working on commercial strategy, business strategy, management consulting, or related strategic business challenges; life sciences or healthcare experience is preferred.
- Strong structured problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate ambiguous business questions and develop clear, practical recommendations.
- Ability to interpret and synthesize quantitative and qualitative information and translate findings into meaningful business implications.
- Strong business acumen with an ability to quickly understand client priorities, market dynamics, and broader industry considerations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling presentations and communicate effectively with clients and senior stakeholders.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholder groups while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High motivation, good work ethics, 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.
