Client Insights & Market Research Associate Consultant

ZS • South San Francisco, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

ZS is 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. The Strategy Insights and Planning Associate Consultant role involves partnering 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.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree with a bachelor's degree in business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences, social sciences or another quantitative discipline. In lieu of a PhD, candidates with 2-5 years of relevant professional experience will be considered.
• 2+ years of professional experience outside of academic research, ideally in market research, consulting, strategic insights, customer insights or a related business-focused environment.
• Experience managing client relationships and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Strong market research experience, including primary and/or secondary research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams and collaborate with global teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex findings to non-technical audiences.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Proven ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to learn and develop expertise in the healthcare and life sciences industry.
• Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or healthcare industry.
• Previous consulting experience, either at a consulting firm or in a client-facing advisory role.
• Experience supporting commercial strategy, customer insights, brand strategy or market access initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support market research projects for a global biopharmaceutical client, helping answer key commercial and strategic business questions.
• Design and execute primary and secondary market research initiatives, synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations for clients.
• Partner directly with client stakeholders and serve as a day-to-day point of contact for project updates, deliverables and strategic discussions.
• Coordinate and manage project execution across global teams, including colleagues based in India and Argentina, ensuring high-quality deliverables and adherence to timelines.
• Conduct market research analyses and leverage data to uncover insights related to customer needs, market dynamics and business opportunities.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, compelling presentations and recommendations for both client and internal leadership teams.
• Support project planning, risk management and status communications to ensure successful project delivery.
• Contribute to the development of junior team members through coaching, mentorship and collaborative problem solving.
• Demonstrate curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to learn while developing expertise in the healthcare and life sciences industry.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development.
• Robust skills‑building programs
• Multiple career progression paths
• Internal mobility
• Deeply collaborative culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level