Associate: People Consulting

Client Industry: Various industries depending on client portfolio
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng (Hybrid)
Division: Consulting – People Consulting
Reports to: Manager / Senior Manager – People Consulting

1. About EY

EY is a global leader in Assurance, Tax, Strategy and Transactions, and Consulting services. Our purpose — Building a better working world — inspires us to help clients, people and communities thrive. We combine deep industry knowledge with advanced technology and global perspectives to deliver long‑term value. Our purpose is underpinned by our commitment to inclusion, sustainability, innovation and exceptional client service.

2. The Opportunity – People Consulting

EY’s People Consulting team helps organisations respond to transformative forces such as digital disruption, workforce shifts, culture change, leadership expectations and new operating models. The practice places Humans@Center of transformation and provides capabilities across Workforce Advisory, Organisation Design, Behaviour Change, Leadership Enablement, Employee Engagement and Talent solutions. The team helps clients design and implement people‑centric strategies that enhance organisational effectiveness, employee experience and long‑term value.

As an Associate, you will support project delivery, working closely with the team to deliver people‑centric transformation solutions.

3. Role Description

The Associate: People Consulting plays a key role in delivering people‑centred transformation projects across diverse industries. Combining Consulting discipline, people insights and EY’s proprietary methodologies, the role supports Managers and Senior Managers to solve clients’ workforce challenges across capabilities such as Workforce Strategy, Organisation Design, Cultural Transformation, Change Management, Learning, HR Transformation, Talent Management, Reward and People Analytics.

You will be involved in supporting client discovery, research, analytics, stakeholder engagement and delivery of workstream outputs.

This entry‑level Consulting role provides an opportunity to grow core Consulting capabilities, deepen subject‑matter knowledge, develop technical skills and build a career within People Consulting. You will work with experienced colleagues across the division to deliver long‑term value to clients and support broader EY transformation goals.

4. Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research, benchmarking and data analysis to inform people‑related insights and recommendations
• Support workstreams across capabilities such as Workforce Strategy, Organisation Design, Cultural Transformation, Change Management, Learning, HR Transformation, Talent Management, Reward and People Analytics Prepare and contribute to client‑ready deliverables including reports, presentations, frameworks and communication materials
• Prepare client‑ready deliverables including reports, presentations and supporting documentation.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement, including workshops and interviews
• Assist with project administration tasks
• Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to support integrated EY solutions
• Contribute to business development activities

5. Skills & Attributes for Success

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and critical‑thinking capability
• Effective communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Curiosity, adaptability and willingness to learn
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and operate with agility
• Strong business acumen
• Professionalism and strong stakeholder engagement potential

6. Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Industrial Psychology, Business Management, or related discipline
• A postgraduate qualification is advantageous
• 1-3 years’ experience in People Consulting or related fields

• Experience in at least one of the following:
• Workforce Strategy
• Organisation Design
• Cultural Transformation
• Change Management
• Learning
• HR Transformation
• Talent Management
• Reward
• People Analytics
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)