Strategy Insights & Planning Associate Consultant - Drug Development

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. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide.

ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

The Strategy Insights and Planning team partners with clients to design and deliver solutions that 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.

• Lead, or co‑lead work streams within larger engagements, managing day‑to‑day activities, timelines, and deliverables while ensuring project quality
• Drive strategy and transformation initiatives in R&D, focusing on areas such as drug development strategy, clinical operations, clinical technology solutions, and vendor/CRO management
• Use life‑sciences expertise, data and systems knowledge, and analytics beyond Excel along with storytelling and human experience to engage clients and provide insights and recommendations
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment between diverse stakeholders, including both business and technology teams
• Have significant direct client interaction, managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Coach and mentor teams, and conduct & develop learning programs to contribute to capability building and knowledge sharing

• Bachelor's or master’s degree required with a strong record of academic success
• 3‑5 years of experience in consulting or business strategy roles (a PhD may substitute for experience)
• Professional experience in life sciences R&D, especially within the clinical trial domain
• Strong proficiency in Excel and other tools such as R and Python
• Client‑first mentality, high motivation, good work ethic, maturity, and initiative‑driven mindset
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach
• Comfortable working with technology teams
• Fluency in English

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

ZS is committed to a flexible and connected way of working. ZSers are onsite at clients or ZS offices three days a week, with the option to work remotely two days a week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including health and well‑being benefits, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth, and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options, and internal mobility paths empower you to thrive as an individual and global team member.

Travel is a requirement for client‑facing ZSers. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your…