Associate consultant

For more than three decades, premier organizations have trusted IPM to lead the successful execution of their strategic portfolios and critically important initiatives. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Boston, Parsippany, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, IPM has led more than 5,000 projects for over 500 clients. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies to start-ups.

We are a certified “Great Place to Work” company and have been named to the Great Place to Work list of “Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services”.

Our Consultants are our full-time employees and the competitive advantage that sets us apart from the rest.

IPM is a values-driven consulting firm that advises on and executes complex, strategically critical initiatives. We partner with organizations across industries to translate vision and strategy into actionable plans and sustainable results. Leveraging deep expertise in strategy realization, portfolio and project leadership, operational excellence, and product development and lifecycle management, IPM works side by side with client teams to align priorities, build execution capability, and drive measurable outcomes from strategy through implementation.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This role within IPM’s Strategy Realization Office (SRO) is designed to focus on development and build strong project management, consulting, and technology-enabled execution capabilities in preparation for future client-facing engagements.

The selected candidate will spend approximately 6 to 12 months working internally within IPM’s Strategy Realization Office (SRO), working closely with experienced IPM consultants and leaders to learn IPM’s methodologies, tools, and delivery standards. While in the SRO, the individual will contribute to IPM internal initiatives that advance strategic priorities, operational improvements, and capability building, while developing the skills required to transition successfully into client engagements. Upon successful completion of the development period, the selected candidate will transition into a client-facing Associate Consultant role. The duration of this rotation is dependent on experience, performance, and client demand.

Primary areas of focus include:

• Supporting the planning and execution of internal strategic initiatives, programs, and projects aligned with IPM priorities
• Learning and applying IPM’s project management and consulting frameworks, standards, and best practices
• Developing foundational project management skills, including scope definition, schedule development, risk and issue management, and stakeholder communication
• Partnering with experienced IPM consultants to observe and support client-style delivery approaches, problem solving, and decision-making
• Contributing to the development of project artifacts, work plans, analyses, and executive-level communications
• Presenting status updates to build presentation skills and executive presence
• Leveraging project management, collaboration, and digital workflow tools (such as Smartsheet, MS Project, and emerging AI-enabled platforms) to support planning, execution, and insight generation
• Applying data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to improve visibility, efficiency, and decision-making across internal initiatives and projects
• Exploring and piloting new tools, technologies, and AI use cases to enhance IPM’s internal ways of working and client delivery approaches
• Building consulting skills including structured problem solving, hypothesis-driven thinking, and professional communication
• Preparing for future client engagements by gaining exposure to IPM’s service offerings, industry focus areas, and Centers of Excellence

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate for this position should demonstrate the following skills and experiences:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a related field
• 0-3 years of professional experience or demonstrated exposure to project-based work, consulting, operations, analytics, or technology-enabled roles
• Strong interest in developing a career in consulting, project management, strategy realization, or technology-enabled execution
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to new situations, and apply feedback in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills, including the ability to establish credibility, collaborate effectively, and build trust with teammates, leaders, and stakeholders at varying organizational levels
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team environment
• Curiosity and aptitude for leveraging technology, including emerging AI-enabled tools, to improve efficiency, analysis, communication, and project execution
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools; familiarity with project management, collaboration, data, or AI-enabled productivity tools is a plus but not required

WHY IPM

Engaging culture: IPM has a caring, nurturing culture with a transparent communication approach and culture-building and team-building events, both regional and company-wide.

Inclusion: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have always been a part of our culture; we are a company that treats everyone with respect and dignity. Everyone has a voice and is heard.

Professional development: This role is intentionally designed as a development opportunity. IPM invests heavily in training, mentorship, and experiential learning to help employees build long-term careers. You are IPM’s future – we only promote from within.

Diverse projects: We lead a wide variety of projects and provide significant exposure to many clients and project types. Through internal initiatives and future client engagements, you will gain exposure to a wide range of industries, challenges, and project types.

Collaborative work environment: You will work alongside experienced consultants, managers, and IPM’s Centers of Excellence, gaining access to proven tools, methodologies, and best practices.

Comprehensive compensation and benefits program: including 100% employer-paid health for employees and 85% paid health for dependents; 401(k)matching, performance bonus, relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, holiday, personal and sick time, among many others; salary range is $60,000 - $85,000.

Philanthropy: We are devoted to the communities we serve and actively promote employee involvement in community improvement projects. We’ve created “Project Mercy” to channel our philanthropic efforts every quarter.

Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, and market / business considerations.

IPM is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

IPM’s hybrid work environment will require 4 days per week in our Burr Ridge office initially, then taper to 3 days per week.