University Associate, Performance Improvement

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

Practice Overview

Ankura’s Performance Improvement practice provides extensive industry expertise combined with data- driven, objective, and innovative approaches to the most complex business challenges. Our significant experience working with companies at critical inflection points in their lifecycles has informed our approach and instilled a sense of urgency in solving problems. Our team works with numerous clients to build value and accelerate business performance via process improvement.

Role Overview:

The ideal candidate for this position will be based in New York, NY.

As an Associate you will be a critical member of our team interacting with both engagement managers and clients, and conducting analysis, synthesis recommendations and presentations to clients. The position offers you the opportunity to solve problems across industries, work on diverse projects and geographies, and drive significant impact for our clients. 

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with project teams to develop and refine strategic recommendations for clients across various industries.
• Lead and participate in client meetings, workshops, and presentations, effectively communicating complex concepts to stakeholders at all levels.
• Perform financial modeling, quantitative analysis, and scenario planning to support strategic decision-making.
• Independently identify patterns in data and drive hypotheses.
• Work directly with clients to obtain relevant data.
• Independently disaggregate complex problems into simpler parts and actively challenge assumptions and hypotheses.
• Maintain constant communications with teammates to ensure coordination of activities and manage expectations.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, such as whitepapers, articles, and industry reports.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.

Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree from a top academic institution with a strong GPA and an expected graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027.
• Minimum of 0-1 years of experience in management consulting, strategy, finance, data modeling, engineering, or related fields.
• Interest in one or more of the following areas, experience a plus:
  • Revenue and Margin Enhancement
  • Pricing and Promotion Analysis
  • Brand and Category Management
  • Sales & Marketing Effectiveness
  • Distribution and Logistics Optimization and Network Modeling
  • Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing
  • Direct and Indirect Procurement
  • OPEX Optimization
  • Organizational Structure, Roles and Responsibilities Modeling
  • M&A Divestitures/Carve-Outs and Integration
  • Information Technology, Digital Improvements, and Automation
  • Project Management and Process Improvement

• Critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to synthesize analysis and draw conclusions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.

• Aptitude in financial analysis, including financial modeling and data interpretation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams
• Client-focused mindset to support building and maintaining positive client relationships.
• Proficiency in using tools such as MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, and data visualization software.
• Strong leadership, and ability to lead teams 
• Flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced and dynamic consulting environment.
• A willingness to travel domestically (and internationally) as required for client engagements.

• A willingness to work long hours during the week and on weekends due to client demands may be necessary.
• Please note that this role requires permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (i.e. U.S. citizen or permanent resident). Internships and full-time University Associate roles are not eligible for U.S. immigration sponsorship, work visa or any other temporary work authorization (i.e. OPT, CPT).  

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in California, Colorado, New York or other states with relevant pay transparency laws, Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the said markets and considers a broad range of factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  The range does not include additional benefits outside of salary. At Ankura, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each role. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $50,000 to $120,000; this range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email accommodations@ankura.com or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.