Associate Consultant at IPM… · Burr Ridge

Summary: IPM Integrated Project Management Company is a values-driven consulting firm that partners with organizations to translate vision and strategy into actionable plans. The Associate Consultant role focuses on developing project management and consulting capabilities while contributing to internal strategic initiatives and preparing for future client engagements. Responsibilities: - 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 Required Qualifications: - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - Familiarity with project management, collaboration, data, or AI-enabled productivity tools is a plus but not required Required Skills: Consulting frameworks, Data analytics, Project management Important Skills: Microsoft Office, AI-enabled tools Nice-to-Have Skills: Relationship-building Benefits: 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