U.S. Lateral Associate - Feb '27

L.E.K. Consulting; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life and disa

401(k) with employer contribution

HSA contributions

Paid time off

Firm-sponsored benefits

Job summary

L.E.K. Consulting is seeking an Associate in the Boston area to tackle challenging business problems and drive impact on client teams.

You will lead research, analyze data, and help shape recommendations from day one, collaborating closely with colleagues to deliver actionable insights. We value curiosity, proactivity, and a growth mindset, offering rigorous training, mentorship, and opportunities to advance to Consultant or other roles across industries, with a hybrid work model for U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a renowned school with outstanding academic achievement
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative and ability to thrive in a team‑oriented environment
• Enthusiasm, resilience, and a desire to continuously learn and grow

Responsibilities

• Conducting primary and secondary research on clients’ markets, customers, and competitors
• Performing rigorous analysis to drive insights and actionable recommendations
• Collaborating with team members to communicate key findings to the client in written presentations and verbal interactions that deliver maximum impact

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree from a renowned school

Job description

Company Description

L.E.K. Consulting is a premier global strategy consulting firm that partners with clients to solve their most critical business challenges and deliver high-impact outcomes. We bring deep industry expertise and rigorous, evidence-based insight to global corporations, growth companies and private equity investors, helping them turn strategy into action.

How do we deliver impact? It’s the people. We hire exceptional individuals and invest in their growth through hands-on client work, close collaboration and a culture of ownership, inclusion and continuous learning. Across every level, curiosity unites us and challenge excites us.

Founded more than 40 years ago, L.E.K. employs more than 2,200 professionals worldwide and is consistently recognized as one of the industry's best firms to work for. For more information, visit lek.com.

Locations: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Position Start Date: February 2027

Job Description

If you are a bright, motivated professional looking to tackle some of the toughest and most interesting business problems, consider joining L.E.K. as an Associate.

Associates are at the heart of our client work. You’ll quickly take on meaningful responsibility and play a crucial role on each case team. From day one, you will lead research efforts, analyze data, generate insights, and help shape recommendations that make a real impact. We look for candidates who are curious, proactive problem‑solvers and excited to collaborate in a fast-paced environment. A growth mindset, positive outlook and a drive to learn and lead are key to success in this role.

While casework varies every day, Associates’ primary responsibilities typically include:

• Conducting primary and secondary research on clients’ markets, customers, and competitors
• Performing rigorous analysis to drive insights and actionable recommendations
• Collaborating with team members to communicate key findings to the client in written presentations and verbal interactions that deliver maximum impact

L.E.K. offers associates the broadest range of fast-paced, high-impact, and diverse cases for maximum learning. We are also committed to investing in your training and development and fostering excellent analytical and leadership skills to prepare you for your progression in tenure, as well as for potential future opportunities in top graduate schools or roles in industry, non-profits, start-ups, or investment firms.

In addition to very competitive compensation and benefits, we promote Associates to Consultant and beyond, based on demonstrated performance.

WHY L.E.K.?

The Associate role at L.E.K. is differentiated from other firms in several key ways:

• Immediate workstream responsibility: L.E.K. Associates are expected to be integral members of the team from day 1, immediately driving mission-critical work to help solve critical challenges for our clients.
• Breadth of experiences: While our projects span most industries and services, our focus is strategy and M&A. Associates typically work on ~6-10 projects a year, providing greater exposure across clients and strategic issues, as well as faster development of business acumen.
• Fun, collaborative, stimulating work environment: L.E.K. teams spend substantially more time in their home office relative to teams at peer firms, and we pride ourselves on a vibrant social culture, including case team events, office parties, non-profit involvement, and much more.
• International exposure: Approximately 65% of Associates gain international exposure within their first 3 years, either through projects staffed across global offices, travel to international client locations, or, if they choose, by relocating to an international office on either a temporary or a full‑time basis.
• Upward mobility: L.E.K. is a meritocracy with an entrepreneurial culture and frequent feedback. We rapidly progress responsibility to accelerate our team’s development.

Qualifications And Experience Needed

• A bachelor’s degree from a renowned school with outstanding academic achievement
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative and ability to thrive in a team‑oriented environment
• Enthusiasm, resilience, and a desire to continuously learn and grow

Additional Information

• The base salary range for this position is $95,000 (USD) annually. L.E.K. also offers a performance bonus and profit sharing.
• E.K. Consulting offers a competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, HSA contributions (where applicable), paid time off, and other firm‑sponsored benefits.
• This role follows our hybrid work model for U.S. offices. We require employees to be in their assigned home office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week, as well as the first Friday of each month.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for employer sponsorship. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider candidates requiring visa sponsorship, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, F‑1 (OPT/CPT/STEM), or other work authorization.
• E.K. Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
• In accordance with applicable state and local laws, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances.