About the role:We are seeking a Manager or to play a critical role within our growing R&D strategy team to focus on R&D reinvention across the value chain: helping clients move beyond incremental improvement to AI-enabled transformation of how they discover, develop, and deliver medicines. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of biopharma R&D, digital innovation, and enterprise transformation - advising R&D leaders at the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
You will own end-to-end strategy workstreams and engagements, engage with clients across R&D functions, support business development, and contribute to practice growth through thought leadership and capability building.
The Work (Role Responsibility) - Lead complex R&D strategy workstreams and small engagements from problem framing through delivery, ensuring measurable client impact.
- Advise clients on R&D transformation priorities including strategy, pipeline portfolio management, scientific data and AI integration, R&D operational excellence, R&D operating model, etc.
- Develop and present strategic recommendations, transformation roadmaps, and reinvention narratives to Heads of R&D functions, and other senior stakeholders.
- Serve as a guiding presence throughout the workstream lifecycle - shaping critical deliverables, driving quality assurance, and ensuring delivery excellence.
- Buildand grow client relationships across biopharma R&D functions.
- Partner with the broader Accenture team to bring the tailored expertise needed for an individual R&D engagement in support of our clients (e.g., Data & AI, Technology Strategy & Advisory, Talent & Organization)
- Support originate and shape new opportunities, support proposals and commercial pursuits, and contribute to Accenture's pipeline growth in the Life Sciences R&D space.
- Identify adjacent opportunities and expand existing client relationships across the R&D value chain.
- Contribute to thought leadership on R&D transformation and scientific innovation - supporting the development of assets that establish Accenture's differentiated perspective in the market.
- Support the build of reusable offerings, frameworks, and assets that accelerate future client engagements.
- Mentor and develop junior colleagues; actively contribute to performance management and recruiting.
- Partner with Accenture's global industry leads, capability leads, and cross-functional teams to evolve the R&D Strategy practice and go-to-market strategy.
Here's What You Need (Basic Qualifications) Candidates must have at least 5 years of combined experience in the following areas:
- Deep expertise in Life Sciences R&D with experience at a top-tier strategy consulting firm or a leading biopharma company in an R&D strategy or transformation function.
- A proven track record leading strategy work with measurable outcomes for biopharma clients.
- Experience supporting the development of strategic recommendations and transformation roadmaps to C-suite, SVP, and VP-level R&D stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of how AI, data, digital technologies, and scientific informatics are reshaping biopharma R&D - and the ability to translate that understanding into client strategy.
- Demonstrated success in supporting business development: identifying opportunities, shaping solutions, and building client relationships.
- Experience teams and managing junior professionals.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as client and business needs require.
Bachelor's Degree
Bonus Points (Preferred Skills) - MBA, advanced scientific degree (PhD, PharmD, MD), or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline.
- Experience building a new strategy offering, or capability from the ground up.
- Track record supporting the development of thought leadership - whitepapers, conference presentations, or published perspectives - in the life sciences or R&D space.
- Experience operating across multiple biopharma sub-sectors (large pharma, emerging biotech, CROs, or medtech) and geographies
Compensation at Accenture varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Accenture provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below.
We anticipate this job posting will be posted until 09/19/2026.
Accenture offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off. See more information on our benefits here:
U.S. Employee Benefits | Accenture
Role Location Annual Salary Range
California $87,400 to $253,000
Cleveland $87,400 to $253,000
Colorado $87,400 to $253,000
District of Columbia $87,400 to $253,000
Illinois $87,400 to $253,000
Maine $87,400 to $253,000
Maryland $87,400 to $253,000
Massachusetts $87,400 to $253,000
Minnesota $87,400 to $253,000
New York $87,400 to $253,000
New Jersey $87,400 to $253,000
Virginia $87,400 to $253,000
Washington $87,400 to $253,000