Healthcare Strategy & Insights Associate Consultant

ZS; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Travel opportunities

Total rewards package

Job summary

ZS Associates is seeking an Advisory Associate Consultant to join our advisory practice in a hybrid Chicago-area role. You’ll work on pharmaceutical and life sciences engagements, helping clients address strategic questions with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years in consulting (MBA/PhD welcomed) and strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills. Travel is expected as projects demand, with a comprehensive rewards program and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years in a management consulting firm; MBA or PhD plus 3+ years may be considered.
• MBA or advanced degree in business, economics, marketing, psychology, sciences, eng., math or stats.
• Strong oral and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder environments with strong problem solving.
• Ability to understand client needs and tailor solutions for impact.
• Motivation, work ethic, maturity and initiative.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments, manages multiple projects under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and quality mindset.
• Knowledge of macro industry/functional trends and applications.
• Strong business and financial acumen with clear communication of implications.
• Passion for learning and intellectually curious.

Responsibilities

• Project Execution.
• Support project leadership in developing strategic approaches, facilitating cross-functional thinking, and contributing to solutions for industry-wide trends and challenges.
• Contribute to project delivery by coordinating day-to-day activities, managing timelines, and collaborating with clients, internal teams, and leadership to drive high-quality outcomes.
• Assist in communicating key business insights and interdependencies across client and internal teams to ensure shared understanding and alignment.
• Contribute ideas and analytical perspectives to enhance project work, practice initiatives, and client engagements.
• Strategic Problem-Solving & Delivery.
• Address complex problems by analyzing data, generating insights, and applying creative thinking to client challenges.
• Develop clear, compelling deliverables that connect analysis to recommendations.
• Manage workstreams, organize materials, conduct analyses, and coordinate with team members for timely progress.
• Culture & Growth.
• Participate in internal firm initiatives and champion ZS culture and values.
• Embodies values of treating people right, doing the right thing, and getting it right.
• Participate in team and office events to foster an engaging, inclusive work life.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Client needs assessment

Attention to detail

Learning mindset

Education

MBA or PhD with business application

Job description

ZS Associates is seeking an Advisory Associate Consultant to join our advisory practice in a hybrid Chicago-area role. You’ll work on pharmaceutical and life sciences engagements, helping clients address strategic questions with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years in consulting (MBA/PhD welcomed) and strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills. Travel is expected as projects demand, with a comprehensive rewards program and growth opportunities.