Associate Principal

Apply Job Type Full-time Description About Us Cortico-X was built on a simple belief: what’s best for people is what’s best for the organization. We help leaders turn that belief into action by connecting insight, strategy, and transformation in ways that create stronger experiences and better business outcomes. This is not consulting for consulting’s sake. Our work is designed to move organizations forward by helping them make smarter decisions, align around what matters most, and turn human understanding into real change. We are building a different kind of firm for the AI era — one that treats human experience as a strategic advantage, not a side consideration. If that kind of work energizes you, read on. The Opportunity Cortico-X is seeking an Associate Principal to lead Business Strategy engagements that shape how organizations operate by embedding experience at the core of their business and operating models. In this role, you will work directly with senior client stakeholders—across Fortune 500 enterprises and high-growth startups—to design and activate transformative strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. This is a client-facing, advisory-first role: you will lead discovery, shape recommendations, and guide cross-functional teams through complex transformation initiatives spanning operating model design, governance, change enablement, and portfolio planning. What You'll Do Client Leadership & Strategy • Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite and VP-level stakeholders across industries and company stages • Lead discovery and visioning sessions to surface business model gaps and experience-led transformation opportunities • Translate business objectives into actionable strategy roadmaps, operating model blueprints, and phased delivery plans • Present findings, frameworks, and recommendations to executive audiences with clarity and conviction • Build enduring client relationships and identify opportunities to expand engagements over time Business & Operating Model Transformation • Design and reimagine business and operating models that place customer and employee experience at the center • Develop governance frameworks and experience leadership models that enable sustained organizational change • Lead experience portfolio planning and prioritization exercises, balancing short-term wins with long-term transformation goals • Craft compelling value cases and strategic narratives that align stakeholders and drive investment decisions • Apply design thinking and systems-level perspectives to uncover root causes and define scalable solutions Change Enablement & Delivery • Develop change enablement strategies that prepare organizations to absorb and sustain transformation • Define success metrics and governance structures to track progress against strategic objectives • Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including data, design, and technology practitioners—to ensure strategy translates to delivery • Facilitate workshops and alignment sessions with diverse stakeholder groups Team Leadership • Lead and mentor project teams of consultants, strategists, and analysts • Set direction, manage workstreams, and ensure quality of deliverables across engagements • Contribute to internal capability building, knowledge sharing, and practice development Requirements What You'll Bring Experience • 7–10 years in management consulting, business strategy, or experience-led transformation, including required tenure at a top-tier strategy firm (McKinsey, Bain, or BCG) • 3+ years in senior client-facing advisory roles with demonstrated impact at the executive level • Proven track record designing operating models, governance structures, or strategic roadmaps for complex organizations • Experience working with both large enterprises and growth-stage companies preferred Strategy & Advisory Skills • Deep expertise in business and operating model design, organizational governance, and change management • Strong fluency in experience strategy frameworks, portfolio planning, and value case development • Ability to synthesize ambiguous, complex problems into clear strategic choices and actionable recommendations • Comfort navigating and leading through organizational complexity and competing stakeholder priorities Communication & Facilitation • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to craft compelling narratives for executive audiences • Strong facilitation skills for workshops, alignment sessions, and strategic planning offsites • Ability to structure and present complex ideas with clarity, precision, and confidence Personal Qualities • Executive presence and credibility with senior leaders across functions • Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action and impact • Collaborative team leader who thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments • Intellectually curious with a strong point of view on the future of business transformation Why This Role, Why Now • A front-row seat in building a new kind of experience transformation firm. • A collaborative, low-ego, high-performance culture. • Opportunities to shape strategy and make a tangible impact with clients. • Fully remote with flexible work arrangements • Competitive compensation including base salary, performance bonuses, and strong benefits Salary: Actual compensation is influenced by many factors including skill set, experience, and qualifications. The range of starting base pay for this role is $150,000-$200,000. Actual compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. Cortico-X is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team as diverse as the clients and communities we serve.