Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant

ZS's Insights & Analytics group partners 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.

Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant

Strategy Insights & Planning Consultants deliver high-quality solutions for our clients. Consultants possess unstructured problem-solving skills as well as strong analytic, synthesis and communication skills. Consultants may work on multiple projects simultaneously. As Consultants advance in their career, they specialize in a particular industry, practice area and/or client relationship.

What You'll Do: Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant in the Strategy and transformation service area will...

• Work with project leadership to define project scope, develop project approach, and manage workstreams from initiation through delivery
• Lead project execution by organizing project data, managing timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring high-quality deliverables
• Conduct issue analysis, develop hypotheses, and perform qualitative and quantitative analyses to answer key client business questions
• Support pharmaceutical brand strategy engagements, including brand planning, launch strategy, situational assessments, customer engagement strategy, and market opportunity assessments
• Design and execute qualitative market research, synthesizing insights from primary research, secondary research, and internal client materials into clear, actionable recommendations
• Develop executive-ready presentations and compelling client stories by translating complex analyses into concise, strategic narratives
• Collaborate closely with clients through regular meetings, presentations, and written communications while building trusted client relationships
• Partner with offshore Knowledge Services teams by providing clear direction, reviewing deliverables, ensuring quality, and maintaining consistency across project materials
• Work cross-functionally with Strategy & Transformation, Launch Strategy, and other consulting teams to deliver integrated client solutions
• Contribute to business development efforts, internal initiatives, and thought leadership within the practice.
• Coach, mentor, and provide guidance to junior team members while helping manage project workload and deliverable quality

What You'll Bring

• MBA with bachelor's (and often graduate) degrees with a strong academic record in business, economics, marketing, psychology, physical or life sciences, engineering, applied mathematics, statistics, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates may possess a PhD in marketing, economics, decision sciences, or a related field with business application. In lieu of an MBA or PhD, 5-8 years of relevant work experience may substitute
• Up to 3 years of post-MBA relevant work experience and 3-5 years of pre-MBA work experience
• Experience in management consulting, commercial strategy, market research, brand strategy, or strategic planning, preferably within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical product launches, brand planning, customer engagement strategy, or commercial transformation initiatives is highly preferred
• Strong qualitative research skills, including the ability to synthesize findings from multiple sources into strategic recommendations and compelling client stories
• Exceptional executive communication and presentation development skills with the ability to create polished, client-ready PowerPoint presentations
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into concise, actionable insights for senior stakeholders
• Experience managing project timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment
• Strong client-facing communication skills with the confidence to lead discussions, present recommendations, and build relationships with client stakeholders
• Experience collaborating with global or offshore teams while reviewing work products for quality, accuracy, and consistency
• Aptitude for leading project teams, mentoring junior colleagues, and driving high-quality execution
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a quality-focused mindset
• High motivation, personal initiative, client-first mentality, collaborative spirit, and strong work ethic
• Fluency in English

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.