Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant

What you’ll do:

• 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 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 work streams 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.

• 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

• 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

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.

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 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.

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.