Discovery Client Lead

ZS is a place where passion changes lives.

As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all.

ZS's Insights & Analytics group partners with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem‑solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership.

ZS Discovery partners with pharmaceutical and biotech clients to accelerate the discovery of safer, more effective therapeutics. The team brings hands‑on scientific expertise, advanced analytics, AI, and strategic consulting to help research organizations become more productive, more data‑driven, and more confident in their decisions. As a venture within ZS building toward practice status, Discovery combines agility and innovation with the resources and knowledge of the broader firm.

• Serve as the named Discovery Client Lead (DCL) for assigned accounts, owning the client relationship, ZSD revenue, and overall account strategy
• Develop and execute account plans based on a deep understanding of the client’s R&D organization, priorities, and decision‑making structure
• Build trusted relationships across client stakeholders, from working‑level scientists to senior R&D leaders
• Identify opportunities across the full Discovery portfolio (scientific strategy, bioinformatics, AI, data, and technology) and drive integrated growth across service lines
• Proactively connect clients with the right ZS expertise, including in areas outside your own domain, to deliver coordinated solutions
• Collaborate within the broader account structure (e.g., Client Service Leads, capability leaders) to align Discovery work with overall account strategy
• Lead and coordinate ZSD delivery teams within accounts, ensuring high‑quality execution and continuity of client engagement
• Support business development efforts, including shaping opportunities, contributing to proposals, and expanding existing engagements

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., PhD, Pharm
  
  D) or equivalent applied experience in research and translational sciences
• Strong client relationship and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with scientific and senior stakeholders
• Experience contributing to or leading business development, including opportunity identification and proposal development
• Demonstrated cross‑service orientation, identifying client needs beyond your domain and bringing in the right capabilities
• Broad familiarity with drug discovery, with depth in at least one area (e.g., bioinformatics, AI, data, scientific strategy, or technology)
• Experience leading or contributing to client‑facing teams, including scaling delivery and developing team members
• Experience in a consulting firm, CRO, pharma services organization, or pharma/biotech R&D environment preferred
• Fluency in English
• Client‑first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

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