Pharmaceutical Commercial Strategy & Market Access Associate ConsultantZS's Strategy Insights and Planning teams partner with clients to solve complex business challenges through rigorous research, analytics, strategic thinking, and deep industry expertise. This team works closely with healthcare and life sciences clients across commercial strategy, marketing, market access, and value & access, helping clients translate insights into actionable strategies and business decisions.
What You'll Do- Support commercial strategy, marketing, market access, and value & access engagements for healthcare and life sciences clients.
- Apply structured problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to complex and often ambiguous client business challenges.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, market analysis, and secondary research to develop actionable insights and recommendations.
- Support and manage day-to-day client project execution, including workplans, timelines, status updates, risks, issues, and deliverables.
- Serve as a key point of contact for clients and build strong working relationships through regular client interaction.
- Synthesize complex findings into clear, compelling recommendations and communicate them through PowerPoint presentations and client discussions.
- Partner with project teams to ensure workstreams remain on track and project objectives and deadlines are met.
- Participate in client meetings and working sessions, asking thoughtful questions and helping move discussions toward actionable outcomes.
- Leverage AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, research, analysis, and problem solving.
- Mentor and support Associates while contributing to the broader development of ZS capabilities and teams.
What You'll Bring- PhD or master's degree with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, life sciences, social sciences, or another analytically focused discipline. In lieu of an advanced degree, relevant professional experience will be considered.
- 2-5 years of relevant professional experience, ideally within consulting, healthcare, life sciences, commercial strategy, marketing, market access, value & access, or a related area.
- Strong critical-thinking and structured problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity.
- Experience managing projects, workstreams, timelines, and multiple competing priorities.
- Strong client-facing communication skills and comfort working directly with stakeholders.
- Ability to synthesize research and analysis into clear business insights and recommendations.
- Strong PowerPoint and Excel skills and proficiency with core Microsoft applications.
- Interest in AI technologies and curiosity around how AI can improve day-to-day work, analysis, and client problem solving.
- High level of initiative and a hungry, eager-to-learn mindset.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
- Collaborative approach with an interest in coaching and developing others.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in English.
Preferred- Previous healthcare, pharmaceutical, or life sciences experience.
- Experience within commercial strategy, pharmaceutical marketing, market access, or value & access.
- Previous consulting or other client-facing project experience.
- Experience presenting findings or recommendations directly to clients and senior stakeholders.
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.
