Associate Strategy Consultant Jobs in California

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 Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to solve complex business challenges and drive meaningful impact across the healthcare industry. This team works closely with commercial leaders, marketers, sales organizations, insights and analytics teams, and other cross‑functional stakeholders to design and execute strategies that improve business performance and customer outcomes.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy solving ambiguous business problems, collaborating across diverse stakeholder groups, and helping organizations successfully bring products to market. Much of the team’s work supports commercialization efforts across the product lifecycle, from launch planning and readiness through post‑launch optimization and growth strategy.

• Partner with client marketing and commercial teams to develop and execute business, brand, and launch strategies.
• Support product launch planning and commercialization efforts, including pre‑launch readiness, launch execution, and post‑launch performance optimization.
• Work across marketing, sales, insights and analytics, market research, and other cross‑functional teams to align stakeholders and drive organizational goals.
• Structure and solve complex, ambiguous business challenges using strategic problem‑solving frameworks and hypothesis‑driven thinking.
• Develop actionable recommendations by synthesizing market research, stakeholder input, industry trends, and business insights.
• Design and facilitate governance models, decision‑making processes, and operating structures that improve cross‑functional collaboration and execution.
• Lead project management and orchestration activities, including workstream coordination, risk management, timeline management, and stakeholder communication.
• Support initiatives focused on sales force effectiveness, sales readiness, customer engagement, and patient experience.
• Create executive‑level presentations, business cases, and strategic narratives that influence decision‑making and drive action.
• Present recommendations and progress updates to client stakeholders and senior leadership teams.
• Develop strong client relationships and serve as a trusted thought partner on key project activities.
• Mentor Associates and contribute to the growth of team capabilities and best practices.

• Master’s degree, PhD, or bachelor’s degree with 2‑5 years of relevant professional experience in consulting, healthcare, life sciences, marketing strategy, commercial operations, business strategy, project management, or related fields.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to bring structure to complex and ambiguous business challenges.
• Experience managing cross‑functional initiatives and driving alignment among multiple stakeholders.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong executive communication, presentation, and storytelling capabilities.
• Ability to develop insight‑driven recommendations, even when limited data is available.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to quickly understand new industries, markets, and business environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• High degree of initiative, adaptability, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
• Experience in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences is a plus but not required.

• Work on highly visible and impactful commercialization and launch initiatives.
• Partner directly with client marketing and commercial leaders.
• Gain significant client exposure and opportunities to influence strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with a highly supportive, engaging, and team‑oriented group.
• Solve new challenges every day in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Experience meaningful work that directly impacts how products reach and serve customers and patients.
• Enjoy strong mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for growth.

• 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. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

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.

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.