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Job Title


Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant - Health Plan


Company : ZS


Location : Chicago, IL


Created : 2026-02-11


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

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 ConsultantZS'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.The Health Plan and Provider (HPP) team within ZS is a growth venture, focused on a strategic set of offerings and client segments that can unlock the ZS mission/vision - helping improve life and how we live it. Within ZS, HPP operates like a mission-oriented start-up backed by a large global firm. HPP’s goal is to build the ecosystem of payer/provider clients that have a similar mindset to long term partnership, innovation in the healthcare industry, and unlocking the synergies across various sectors within healthcare and beyond. The team is growing quickly and looking for passionate team members who care first and foremost about impact and core values - we pride ourselves on being true to spirit of client value creation, true culture of collaboration, and human-centric service. Through our vision, strategy, and investments, we seek to disrupt the traditional healthcare consulting market and elevate our society to new levels of functioning. This venture is not for the feint of heart - we work hard, play hard, and bring our complete selves to work.What you’ll doIdentify the problem statement and break down into smaller components (e.g., issue / logic tree)Own a project workstream (data / content synthesis, insights / findings)Develop storyline / board of the workstream in clear easy to understand frameworkAbility to work in teams - communicate, participate, collaborate, motivateLeverage problem solving skills and frameworks to develop solutions to our client’s business problemsAssist in structuring and conducting market research and/or desk research to derive insights and contribute to client decision makingDesign custom analyses using tools like Excel, Access, Confirmit and ZS's proprietary softwareSynthesize and communicate results to clients and ZS teams through oral and written presentationsDevelop client relationships with Health Insurance/Health Plan clients and serve as key point of contact on certain aspects of projectsActively support management of the program plan and conduct regular status updates with the client - risk and issue mitigation. You will also assist in driving the project forward to ensure project goals and deadlines are metAdvance problem-solving skills and improve ZS's capabilitiesMentor and support development of Associates on your projects and teamsWhat you’ll bringPhD or Masters with bachelor’s degree in a field with quantitative coursework such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences and social sciences. In lieu of a PhD, 2-5 years of relevant post-study professional experience will be considered.2+ years of relevant Health Plan job experience. A PhD may substitute in lieu of work experience.Experience with healthcare business processes/analytics strongly preferred;High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiativeStrong oral and written communication skillsEmpathy, adaptability and high personal impactStrong attention to detail, with a quality-focused mindsetSelf-discipline for planning and organizing tasksAptitude for, and enjoyment of, team leadershipFluency in EnglishClient-first mentalityIntense work ethicCollaborative spirit and problem-solving approach Howyou’llgrow:Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathwaysMilestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunitiesInternal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansionsPerks & Benefits:ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well-being, financial planning, annual leave, personalgrowthand professional development. Ourrobust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative cultureempowersyou to thrive as an individual and global team member.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 forthe majority ofour 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 forclientfacingZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facingZSersshould 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.Considering applying?At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities,personal experiences, and beliefsystems—the ones thatcompriseus as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.Learn moreaboutour inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports toassistourZSersin cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.Ifyou’reeager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.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.To complete your application:Candidates mustpossessor be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial),is required tobe considered.NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.Find Out More At: