Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant

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.
ZS's Data Strategy and Data Office has two pillars. First, we advise clients across sectors - including MedTech, Health , Travel & Hospitality, and other data-intensive industries - on all matters related to enterprise Data Strategy. As data volumes expand and AI reshapes business models, Data Strategy has become a critical, board-level priority. The team supports clients in defining data vision and mission, designing operating models and data organizations, establishing governance and stewardship frameworks, shaping data sourcing and generation strategies, enabling robust data architecture and cataloging capabilities, and driving compliant value creation. In close collaboration with our Digital and Technology practice, we diagnose and execute data strategies, helping clients build data capabilities and products that drive competitive advantage. The second pillar, Data Office, focuses on building and managing strategic relationships with a wide range of data providers to enable differentiated access to data and power innovative ZS offerings and services.
The Data Strategy Associate Consultant will be located close to one of our East Coast U.S. offices and will help deliver world-class solutions that shape and execute enterprise data strategies, primarily in the MedTech, Health Insurance, or Travel & Hospitality sectors. This includes developing data organizations and Data Offices, designing governance and operating models, strengthening AI-ready data foundations, driving data portfolio optimization and value realization, and leading hands-on delivery of data programs. This individual will have high visibility within the firm and will work collaboratively with the broader Data Strategy team across the Americas, Europe and India, as well as with colleagues across multiple practice are as (e.g., Research and Development Excellence Digital Strategy, Technology Advisory, Compliance, and others).
What you'll do: Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant in the

• Build and develop expertise in enterprise data strategy, data ecosystems and AI-ready data foundations across industries, with growing understanding of the U.S. data landscape
• Support (in collaboration with ZS' internal and client-facing teams) the design and execution of enterprise data strategy engagements, contributing to defining data vision, operating models and transformation roadmaps that address client challenges and strengthen AI-ready data foundations
• Contribute to the design and implementation of strategic data capabilities that strengthen how organizations manage, govern and use data to drive business value
• Own defined workstreams and analyses, supporting project leads in delivering objectives on time and within scope
• Partner with senior team members to support project planning, coordination, staffing and risk management activities
• Build working relationships with client stakeholders and support presentations related to project deliverables, brainstorming sessions, discussions and status updates
• Collaborate with an extended global team of diverse skill sets (knowledge management, data technologists, business operations, etc.) to deliver high-quality outputs
• Provide guidance to junior team members when appropriate
• Contribute to building long-term Data Strategy assets and offerings
• Support proposal development, client discussions and thought leadership efforts where data expertise is needed
• Contribute to developing perspectives on data strategy innovations to build firm intellectual capital and thought leadership
• Support relationship-building efforts with key data partners in the U.S.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's or master's degree required, with strong academic performance in analytic and quantitative coursework
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in data strategy, data governance, data management or enterprise data transformation
• Foundational understanding of core data strategy capabilities (e.g., operating models, data governance, data products), with demonstrated ability to quickly learn and build depth in new domains and topics
• Ability to translate unstructured problems into actionable processes and approaches
• Self-starter with high motivation, maturity and personal initiative, and a strong bias toward action and delivering tangible outcomes
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Empathy, adaptability and professional presence, with the ability to work effectively across diverse clients, industries and cross-functional teams
• Self-discipline for planning and organizing tasks, and delivering in an unstructured environment
• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently on defined tasks in ambiguous environments while seeking guidance appropriately
• 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

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.
Perks & Benefits:
ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well-being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empowers you to thrive as an individual and global team member.
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.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
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.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com