AI Associate Principal

AI Commercial Associate Principal

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.

• Define and lead AI transformation roadmaps for pharma clients, aligning data science innovation with commercial strategy and business priorities.
• Shape and communicate a clear AI vision for clients, identifying high-value use cases and building the organizational capabilities to scale them.
• Advise senior stakeholders on how to leverage machine learning, GenAI, and agentic AI to enhance customer engagement, marketing effectiveness, forecasting, field operations and patient services operations.
• Represent ZS as a thought leader on AI-driven business transformation within pharma, contributing to industry forums, publications, and innovation programs.

• Lead end-to-end AI program design and implementation, from defining the problem and identifying data sources to model development, piloting, and scaled deployment.
• Drive business impact by ensuring AI initiatives are tightly integrated into client workflows, supported by change management and clear ROI tracking.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams - including data science, analytics, business transformation and technology - to deliver solutions that are both technically robust and commercially relevant.
• Ensure consistent delivery excellence across multiple AI programs, managing risk, scope, and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong familiarity with AI and ML platforms, cloud environments, and MLOps practices (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, AWS, Azure, MLflow) to effectively guide technical discussions and program success

• Build and sustain trusted advisory relationships with VP- and C-level leaders across commercial, analytics, and data functions.
• Partner with clients to identify new AI opportunities, build investment cases, and shape multi-year AI transformation roadmaps.
• Lead business development efforts — from shaping proposals and presenting solutions to expanding relationships across client organizations.
• Contribute to the evolution of ZS's AI offerings, ensuring they reflect the latest in data science innovation and real-world commercial needs.

• Lead and mentor teams of consultants and data scientists to deliver high-impact AI programs.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and intellectual rigor.
• Provide structured feedback, career development, and leadership opportunities for emerging AI talent at ZS.
• Promote close collaboration between consulting, analytics, and technology practices, ensuring integrated client delivery.

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in AI and data science to business transformation, with significant exposure to pharma commercial functions (sales, marketing, market access, or patient services).
• Proven success in designing and implementing AI/ML programs that drive measurable business outcomes, not just model accuracy.
• Demonstrated experience in shaping AI strategy and leading large, cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Deep expertise in data science methodologies, machine learning, and the application of Generative and Agentic AI in business contexts.
• Strong understanding of pharma commercial data ecosystems (e.g., patient data, HCP data, RWD, CRM/marketing data).
• Familiarity with modern AI and data technology environments to enable effective partnership with technology teams.
• Track record of executive engagement and stakeholder management at VP and C-suite levels.
• Experience leading and inspiring global teams across geographies and functions.
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect AI innovation to tangible commercial outcomes.
• Recognized or emerging thought leader in AI applications for life sciences.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and storytelling skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving innovation.
• Passion for transforming healthcare and…