Associate - Global Energy & Materials

McKinsey & Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global management consultancy in Riyadh seeks an Associate to help clients tackle complex challenges. The role involves creating actionable plans, collaborating directly with clients, and contributing innovative solutions in a high-performance environment. Candidates should have a bachelor's or master's degree in STEM and excel in problem-solving and communication. Proficiency in English and Arabic is advantageous. This position offers competitive compensation and world-class benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for continuous learning

Global community engagement

Qualifications

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with logical reasoning.
• Proficiency in English and ideally Arabic.
• Leadership experience in professional or extracurricular settings.

Responsibilities

• Help clients uncover challenges and create actionable plans.
• Deliver innovative solutions that drive long-term change.
• Collaborate with clients to solve problems and refine strategies.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Collaborative teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in STEM

Job description

Overview

Driving lasting impact and building long-term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance / high reward culture - doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward.

In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Your colleagues—at all levels—will invest deeply in your development, just as much as they invest in delivering exceptional results for clients. Every day, you'll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won’t find anywhere else.

What You’ll Get

• 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. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.
• 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. 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. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• 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.

As an associate, you will join a client service team and take ownership of a workstream to solve some of the toughest challenges our clients face.

Responsibilities

Your clients aren’t just any clients - they're 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.

You will take on a role that goes beyond advising. You’ll be at the heart of the action—helping to uncover the true challenges behind a client’s strategy and creating actionable plans that drive real change. Working alongside clients and other McKinsey colleagues, you’ll combine research, analyzing data, interviews, and brainstorming to generate fresh insights and breakthrough solutions. Your commitment to our values will be crucial in earning our clients' trust and delivering results that matter.

As you collaborate directly with clients, you’ll help them solve problems, refine strategies, and implement transformations. By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to continue innovating and improving after we’ve left, you’ll ensure the impact of our work endures. In doing so, you’ll uphold McKinsey’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the industries and communities we serve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in STEM; an outstanding academic record is a plus
• Strong expertise in chemical and energy sectors, including chemical processes, production technologies, electric power, natural gas, and energy transition, with experience in consulting or industry roles; knowledge of sustainability, decarbonization practices, innovation trends, market structures, regulatory frameworks, and proficiency in operations, supply chain, strategy, and energy systems analysis
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, including logical reasoning, creative thinking, comfort with numbers, and the ability to untangle complex issues
• Proven leadership experience in professional settings and / or through extracurricular activities
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with people at all levels of an organization
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; proficiency in English and Arabic is a plus