Strategy Analyst

Heidrick & Struggles; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Heidrick & Struggles is seeking an Analyst for its Strategy team in Chicago. You will build complex financial models, conduct market research, and craft presentations for the executive leadership team.

The role supports annual strategic planning, competitive analysis, and potential M&A evaluations across global operations. The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of analytically rigorous experience, strong Excel modeling, and excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Minimum two-three years’ experience in a similar, analytically rigorous role in a corporation, leading strategy consulting firm or financial services institution (e.g., investment bank or private equity firm).
• Expert-level proficiency in statistical and financial modeling in Excel – proven ability to create statistical models to identify key trends and patterns in external and internal data, forecast business performance, simulate the impact of potential strategic options and decisions.
• Experience creating executive level presentations in PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and to prioritize multiple competing responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability for independent thinking and creative problem-solving while collaborating effectively as a team player.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Quantitative and Financial Analysis: develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to support strategic decision-making and measure the impact of initiatives
• Strategic Research and Due Diligence: conduct and synthesize in-depth research on industry trends, competitor activities, and potential strategic partners or M&A targets
• Presentation and Communication Support: translate complex analytical findings into visually compelling slides and narratives for executive-level presentations. Assist in the preparation and facilitation of the annual strategic planning process and workshops
• Project and Initiative Support: provide organizational and logistical support for high-priority strategic projects. Track and report on the progress of ongoing strategic initiatives against defined metrics and timelines

Skills

Financial modeling

Statistical analysis

Executive communication

Presentation design

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Power BI

Job description

The Strategy team at Heidrick and Struggles works closely with the executive leadership team (CEO, President, CFO, Chief Legal Officer and CHRO) and business line leadership to identify and address the company’s most impactful opportunities and challenges to improve Heidrick’s short- and long-term business performance. The Analyst will be a key part of the Strategy team providing critical analytical, research, and logistical support to the Vice President and Senior Manager of Strategy. This role works on the company’s highest-priority initiatives, including annual strategic planning, competitive analysis, M&A evaluations, and business performance deep-dives. The Analyst will be responsible for building complex financial models, conducting market research, and creating compelling presentations for the executive leadership team. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the firm's global operations and influence its long-term direction.

Responsibilities:

• Quantitative and Financial Analysis: develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to support strategic decision-making and measure the impact of initiatives
• Strategic Research and Due Diligence: conduct and synthesize in-depth research on industry trends, competitor activities, and potential strategic partners or M&A targets
• Presentation and Communication Support: translate complex analytical findings into visually compelling slides and narratives for executive-level presentations. Assist in the preparation and facilitation of the annual strategic planning process and workshops
• Project and Initiative Support: provide organizational and logistical support for high-priority strategic projects. Track and report on the progress of ongoing strategic initiatives against defined metrics and timelines

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field
• Minimum two-three years’ experience in a similar, analytically rigorous role in a corporation, leading strategy consulting firm or financial services institution (e.g., investment bank or private equity firm)
• Expert-level proficiency in statistical and financial modeling in Excel – proven ability to create statistical models to identify key trends and patterns in external and internal data, forecast business performance, simulate the impact of potential strategic options and decisions
• Experience creating executive level presentations in PowerPoint
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and to prioritize multiple competing responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability for independent thinking and creative problem-solving while collaborating effectively as a team player
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences at all levels of the organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with data visualization tools like Power BI
• Experience working in a global, multi product or service line organization
• Experience in a professional services organization