Lead end-to-end strategic workstreams for Pearson: define problems, build fact bases, size markets, model financial scenarios, and present executive-ready recommendations. Use market and competitive intelligence, partner with product/commercial/finance teams, support AI-enabled learning strategy, and translate strategy into action through planning, KPIs, and execution tracking. Contribute playbooks and frameworks to raise the team's capabilities.
Job title: Advanced Specialist, Strategy (IC25)
Location: United States (remote); ability to collaborate in Eastern Time and visit our Hoboken, NJ office as needed
About Pearson
Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone live the life they imagine through learning. We combine world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalised learning at scale.
The team and how you'll make an impact
You'll join Group Strategy, a small, high-impact team working directly under the Chief Strategy Officer. This is not a support function — you will own strategic workstreams end-to-end, influence decisions at CEO and CFO level, and work across Pearson's five business units at a moment of significant company transformation. If you're a consultant looking to move in-house without losing the pace, ambiguity, or intellectual rigour of consulting, this role is built for you.
What you'll do
- Own end-to-end strategic workstreams: frame the problem, build the fact base, size markets, and synthesize options into executive-ready recommendations aligned to Pearson's growth strategy.
- Use market and competitive intelligence to shape strategic choices across five business units, working directly with business leaders, CFOs, and CEOs.
- Build evidence-based business cases: financial and operational modelling, scenario analysis, assumptions, risks, and KPIs that drive real capital allocation decisions.
- Partner with product, commercial, finance, and corporate development on high-priority initiatives — including AI-enabled learning and skills strategy.
- Translate strategy into action: craft board-ready narratives, support planning cadences, and track execution against strategic targets.
- Contribute to the team's intellectual infrastructure: share playbooks, methods, and frameworks that raise the bar across the function.
What you'll bring
- 2–4 years of experience at a top-tier strategy consulting firm (MBB or equivalent) or investment bank, with a track record of delivering structured, hypothesis-driven analysis and actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Strong foundation in market sizing, competitor analysis, financial modelling, and business case development — comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving problem spaces.
- Exceptional communication skills: you write sharp memos, build clean slides, and can hold a room with senior executives.
- A genuine interest in transitioning from consulting to an in-house role with real business impact and a clear path into broader leadership.
- Nice to have: exposure to M&A diligence, portfolio strategy, or partnerships; familiarity with AI-enabled edtech or skills/credential ecosystems.
Why Pearson
- Direct exposure to C-suite (CEO, CFO, business unit leaders) from day one.
- Pearson is in the middle of a major strategic transformation — you will shape it, not just report on it.
- Clear path from strategy into business leadership roles over time.
- Remote-first with flexibility and minimal travel.
- Sector at the intersection of education and AI — one of the most interesting strategic spaces right now.
Compensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $90,000 – $130,000 per year. Actual compensation will depend on experience, skills, and other factors. Pearson also offers a competitive benefits package.
Pearson Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
50 NW Point Blvd, Chicago, United States, 60007
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