Kearney Associate 2026

Kearney; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consulting firm is seeking a talented Associate to join their Johannesburg office. This role involves working closely with clients, leading teams, and addressing complex issues from day one. Ideal candidates will have a strong academic background, excellent communication skills, and 3-5 years of relevant experience in the industry or consulting. A collaborative spirit and innovative problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven record of academic excellence.
• Natural self-direction and ability to operate in ambiguity.
• Eagerness to collaborate, coach, mentor and help others grow.

Responsibilities

• Gather data for analysis.
• Conduct benchmarking and competitor assessments.
• Help generate proposals and lead client teams.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical capabilities

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Collaborative approach

Critical thinking

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate degree

MBA (advantageous)

Job description

Job Description

What You Can Expect

• We work in a collegial way . As an associate, you will receive full and ready access to our firm’s best talent to help you quickly achieve your full potential.
• We value collaboration . You will work alongside team members who will help you grow as you help our clients solve their most important issues.
• We promise immediate impact and growing advantage. That promise holds true for both you and our clients. You will be able to make an impact and develop your potential from day one within a professional environment and culture that actively fosters the following :

Personal development. At Kearney, we encourage you to be yourself and give you the freedom to contribute creatively while you also take the time to pursue your passions. The rich, diverse backgrounds of our consultants have a direct impact on what our teams accomplish every day—a dynamic that has defined our culture for more than 90 years. Together, we work on stimulating projects that produce powerful, transformative results for clients, both now and in the long term.

Entrepreneurial approach. No two client engagements are alike. As an associate, you will work alongside our clients, rather than working on projects from a distance. Typical responsibilities include leading client and analyst teams, recommending and implementing actions that you create with colleagues, and writing proposals. We will nurture your entrepreneurial spirit with hands-on experience that will positively influence the rest of your career.

Supportive environment. Training is a crucial component of your introduction to the firm. A variety of opportunities, often led by our own best and brightest consultants, from managers to partners, will expand your consulting knowledge and allow you to explore new areas of interest. Our training approach also lets you meet and network with colleagues from across the region for an enriching experience. We take a tailored approach to performance management and career advancement, so your role grows as rapidly as your performance warrants. You will benefit from our global scale and capability, as well as from the speed and nimbleness of our close-knit teams.

What we seek

There is no standard model for Kearney associates. We look for talented problem-solvers with intellectual curiosity who are ready to be active members of a client team. Associates are typically involved in every phase of an engagement, from pre-proposal research to final implementation. The following qualifications are preferred :

A proven record of academic excellence

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Strong critical thinking and analytical capabilities

An innovative and collaborative approach to problem-solving

Natural self-direction, with the ability to operate in ambiguity and learn quickly

Eagerness to collaborate, coach, mentor, and help others grow professionally

As an Associate, you will be involved in every phase of a consulting engagement, from pre-proposal research through to final implementation. Almost immediately, you will join a project team, work at a client location, share your ideas and address CEO-level issues. As part of your responsibilities, you will :

Gather data for analysis

Conduct benchmarking, best practices and other competitor assessment studies

Help to generate proposals and lead certain client and analyst teams

Recommend actions and help clients implement them

Have opportunities to create intellectual capital and recruit new consultants

Associates typically have 3 to 5 years of working experience. For our Africa office, we require a very good command of the English language.

Qualifications

Qualifying Criteria

Any undergrad / postgrad (MBA advantageous)

1st Class – 2nd Class Upper (C+ - A+ Average)

No more than 2 fails

3-5 yrs Industry experience

Strong industry experience with MBA or;

Strong consulting experience without MBA

Requirements :

1-page CV

Cover Letter

Copy of ID or Passport

All academic transcripts including Senior Certificate or Equivalent

Should any of the required documents be missing, the application will automatically be rejected.

Language Requirements

English