Associate Consultant- Brand Strategy

Zs Associates; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS Associates in the United States is seeking a Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant to design and deliver data-driven solutions for client challenges, leveraging analytics and problem-solving techniques. You will work on multiple projects, ensure rigorous research, and develop strong client relationships.

Responsibilities include market research, designing analyses with Excel/Access/Confirmit, and presenting results to clients and internal teams while mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with quantitative coursework or 2–5 years post-study experience.
• Strong motivation, work ethic, maturity and personal initiative.
• Fluency in English and strong communication skills.
• Empathy, adaptability, and personal impact.
• Attention to detail with a quality mindset.
• Self-discipline for planning and organizing tasks.
• Aptitude for and enjoyment of team leadership.
• Client-first mentality.
• Intense work ethic and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Leverage problem solving skills and frameworks to develop solutions to client business problems.
• Assist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights and contribute to client decision making.
• Design analyses using Excel, Access, Confirmit and ZS proprietary software.
• Synthesize and communicate results to clients and ZS teams through presentations.
• Develop client relationships and serve as key point of contact on project aspects.
• Support management of the program plan and conduct status updates with the client; mitigate risks and issues.
• Advance problem-solving skills and improve ZS capabilities.
• Mentor and support Associates on projects and teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Team leadership

English fluency

Client-first mindset

Strong work ethic

Collaboration

Education

PhD or Master’s with quantitative degree

2–5 years post-study experience

Tools

Excel

Access

Confirmit

ZS proprietary software

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving 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. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant

ZS’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.

What you’ll do

• Leverage problem solving skills and frameworks to develop solutions to our client’s business problems
• Assist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights and contribute to client decision making
• Design custom analyses using tools like Excel, Access, Confirmit and ZS's proprietary software
• Synthesize and communicate results to clients and ZS teams through oral and written presentations
• Develop client relationships and serve as key point of contact on certain aspects of projects
• Actively support management of the program plan and conduct regular status updates with the client – risk and issue mitigation. You will also assist in driving the project forward to ensure project goals and deadlines are met
• Advance problem‑solving skills and improve ZS's capabilities
• Mentor and support development of Associates on your projects and teams

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.

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.

Work Authorization:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.

Find Out More At:

www.zs.com