Strategy Insights & Planning Associate

ZS; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Travel for client-facing work

Job summary

ZS is seeking a Strategy Insights and Planning Associate in the United States. The role involves leveraging analytics, conducting research, and designing custom analyses using Excel, Access, Confirmit, and ZS software.

You will synthesize results and communicate recommendations to clients and internal teams. Qualified candidates will have a degree and be available to start full-time in 2026, with strong English communication skills and a collaborative, detail-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree completed and available to start in 2026.
• Strong quantitative and analytical coursework with a proven academic record.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data-driven problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Leverage problem solving skills and frameworks to develop client solutions.
• Conduct market/desk research to derive insights for decision making.
• Design analyses using Excel, Access, Confirmit and ZS software.
• Synthesize results and present clear recommendations to clients and teams.
• Collaborate with clients and ZS teams to implement solutions.
• Take ownership of assigned project deliverables.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

Communication skills

Fluency in English

Team collaboration

Client-centric mindset

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any discipline

Tools

Excel

Access

Confirmit

ZS proprietary software

Job description

Boston, Massachusetts; Evanston, Illinois United States Consulting Insights & Analytics $90,000.00 - $102,000.00 69582

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

ZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and delivery 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 client business problems
• Conduct market research and/or desk research to derive insights and inform 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
• Collaborate with client and ZS teams to implement solutions
• Take responsibility and ownership for assigned project deliverables

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor's or master's degree required in any discipline with strong record of academic success in quantitative and analytic coursework (business, economics, marketing, psychology, physical or life sciences, engineering, applied mathematics, statistics or relevant fields)
• Candidates must have completed their degree and be available to start full‑time employment in 2026
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiative
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Empathy, adaptability and emotional intelligence
• Strong attention to detail, with a quality‑focused mindset
• Self‑discipline for planning and organizing tasks
• Aptitude for, and enjoyment of, working in teams
• 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.

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.

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.