Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant
Zs Associates, Chicago, IL, United States
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.
Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant ZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem‑solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership.
What you’ll do
Leverage structured problem‑solving frameworks to develop solutions to complex client business challenges, with a focus on clinical data and biometrics functions
Support end‑to‑end clinical data processes across the trial lifecycle, from data sourcing through regulatory submission readiness
Help define and establish effective ways of working with clients across biometrics and clinical data teams
Assist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights and inform client decision‑making
Design and execute custom analyses using tools such as Excel, Access, Confirmit, and ZS proprietary software
Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders and technical teams to ensure clinical data is structured, standardized, and analysis‑ready
Contribute to the design and implementation of technology solutions supporting the clinical data backbone
Develop and optimize processes, workflows, and operating models within clinical data management
Synthesize and communicate results to clients and internal teams through clear oral and written presentations
Build client relationships and serve as a key point of contact for specific project workstreams
Support project management activities, including program planning, status updates, and risk/issue mitigation to ensure timely delivery
Mentor and support the development of Associates across project teams
Continuously advance problem‑solving approaches and contribute to enhancing ZS’s capabilities
What you’ll bring
PhD or Master’s degree (with a Bachelor’s) in a quantitative field such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences, or social sciences; in lieu of a PhD, 2–5 years of relevant post‑graduate experience will be considered
Strong domain expertise in clinical data management and/or biometrics (highly preferred)
Experience working at a pharmaceutical/biotech company or Contract Research Organization (CRO)
Hands‑on familiarity with clinical data systems, standards, and workflows across the clinical trial lifecycle
Understanding of clinical data standards (e.g., CDISC, SDTM), data governance, metadata management, and data standardization
Experience with electronic data capture (EDC) systems (e.g., Medidata Rave) and broader clinical data platforms
Knowledge of clinical trial data lifecycle, including data collection, cleaning, and regulatory submission requirements
High motivation, strong work ethic, and demonstrated personal initiative
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences
Empathy, adaptability, and strong interpersonal impact
Strong attention to detail with a quality‑focused mindset
Self‑discipline and strong organizational skills for managing multiple priorities
Aptitude for and interest in team leadership and mentorship
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
Perks & Benefits 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.
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.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employment 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.
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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.
Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant ZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem‑solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership.
What you’ll do
Leverage structured problem‑solving frameworks to develop solutions to complex client business challenges, with a focus on clinical data and biometrics functions
Support end‑to‑end clinical data processes across the trial lifecycle, from data sourcing through regulatory submission readiness
Help define and establish effective ways of working with clients across biometrics and clinical data teams
Assist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights and inform client decision‑making
Design and execute custom analyses using tools such as Excel, Access, Confirmit, and ZS proprietary software
Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders and technical teams to ensure clinical data is structured, standardized, and analysis‑ready
Contribute to the design and implementation of technology solutions supporting the clinical data backbone
Develop and optimize processes, workflows, and operating models within clinical data management
Synthesize and communicate results to clients and internal teams through clear oral and written presentations
Build client relationships and serve as a key point of contact for specific project workstreams
Support project management activities, including program planning, status updates, and risk/issue mitigation to ensure timely delivery
Mentor and support the development of Associates across project teams
Continuously advance problem‑solving approaches and contribute to enhancing ZS’s capabilities
What you’ll bring
PhD or Master’s degree (with a Bachelor’s) in a quantitative field such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences, or social sciences; in lieu of a PhD, 2–5 years of relevant post‑graduate experience will be considered
Strong domain expertise in clinical data management and/or biometrics (highly preferred)
Experience working at a pharmaceutical/biotech company or Contract Research Organization (CRO)
Hands‑on familiarity with clinical data systems, standards, and workflows across the clinical trial lifecycle
Understanding of clinical data standards (e.g., CDISC, SDTM), data governance, metadata management, and data standardization
Experience with electronic data capture (EDC) systems (e.g., Medidata Rave) and broader clinical data platforms
Knowledge of clinical trial data lifecycle, including data collection, cleaning, and regulatory submission requirements
High motivation, strong work ethic, and demonstrated personal initiative
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences
Empathy, adaptability, and strong interpersonal impact
Strong attention to detail with a quality‑focused mindset
Self‑discipline and strong organizational skills for managing multiple priorities
Aptitude for and interest in team leadership and mentorship
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
Perks & Benefits 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.
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.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employment 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr