Decision Analytics Consultant - Retail/Operations

ZS • Thousand Oaks, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

ZS is hiring a Decision Analytics Consultant for its San Francisco or Los Angeles office as part of its Insights & Analytics group. The role supports clients in distribution, wholesale, retail, and commercial operations by applying data, analytics, technology, and strategic problem-solving to business challenges. The consultant works directly with clients and senior stakeholders to provide insights that inform operational and business decisions, support transformation initiatives, and create measurable impact. This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, entrepreneurial team and help shape an expanding practice.

The consultant derives answers to business analytics and reporting questions; translates business needs into data-driven recommendations; leads project workstreams; and develops executive-ready analyses, dashboards, visualizations, and presentations. The role requires communicating findings in terms of the business question and outcomes, developing familiarity with client processes, and building expertise in a client analytics area. Consultants are expected to be available to clients during regular working hours and prepared to travel as project and client needs require.

ZS offers a hybrid working model that combines work from home with on-site presence at client or ZS offices for the majority of the week. The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship. An online application and a full set of official or unofficial transcripts are required.

Requirements

• MBA with a bachelor's degree, and often a graduate degree, in a quantitative or analytical discipline such as Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Management Science, Data Science, Statistics, Econometrics, or Engineering; alternatively, a PhD in marketing, economics, decision sciences, or a related field with a business application. In lieu of an MBA or PhD, 5–8 years of relevant work experience may substitute.
• Up to 3 years of post-MBA relevant work experience and 3–5 years of pre-MBA relevant work experience, with evidence of strong analytical work, including advanced modeling techniques and tools such as R, SAS, Tableau, or VBA.
• 4–8 years of experience in supply chain, distribution, wholesale, retail operations, or other large-scale commercial environments.
• 2–5 years of relevant management consulting experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage stakeholders, and drive workstreams from problem definition through implementation.
• Ability to connect analytical findings to business outcomes and communicate recommendations to executive stakeholders.
• High motivation, strong work ethic, maturity, and personal initiative.
• Aptitude for and enjoyment of leading and managing teams.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make an impact with senior-level decision makers.
• Strong attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset.
• Analytical problem-solving skills with a creative and innovative outlook.
• Client service orientation and client-first mentality.
• Fluency in English.
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance problem-solving, productivity, and decision-making.
• Passion for shaping how AI transforms consulting and client delivery.

Responsibilities

• Use quantitative skills to answer clients’ ongoing business analytics and reporting questions.
• Partner with client stakeholders to solve challenges across supply chain, distribution, wholesale, retail, and commercial operations.
• Translate business needs into data-driven recommendations using analytics, technology, and strategic problem-solving.
• Lead project workstreams and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver client outcomes.
• Develop executive-ready analyses, dashboards, and visualizations that enable informed decision-making.
• Communicate analytical results in terms of the business question and its implications rather than focusing on the analytical or reporting process.
• Become familiar with clients’ internal processes and develop expertise in a client analytics area.
• Be available to clients during regular working hours.
• Manage complex projects and diverse teams with multiple skill sets, driving accountability and outcomes.
• Balance strategic thinking with rigorous execution.
• Use emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to accelerate insights, innovation, and client delivery.
• Create clear, compelling stories and executive-ready deliverables, and influence client stakeholders.
• Travel as needed based on project and client business needs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package supporting health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development.
• Skills-building programs and custom learning pathways.
• Multiple career progression paths and internal mobility opportunities.
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression.
• Collaborative culture and opportunities to work in a global community.

What This Job Offers

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