What you'll do: AI Commercial Associate Principal will...
AI & Data Science Strategy- 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.
Program Leadership & Delivery- 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
Client & Business Leadership- 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.
Team Leadership & People Development- 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.
What you'll bring:- 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
Preferred Attributes- 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 patient outcomes through AI.
- Willingness to travel as required for client engagement
How you'll grow:- 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
Perks & Benefits: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.
Hybrid working model:We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. 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.
