R&D Strategy Consultant

About the role

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, transforming ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. As a Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant in the Insights & Analytics group, you will work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers worldwide. You will partner collaboratively with clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver results across critical areas of their business.

Responsibilities

• Work with project leadership to define project scope and develop approach.
• Lead project task execution by ensuring progress, organizing project data and coordinating team meetings.
• Conduct issue analysis and develop hypotheses on key client issues.
• Design and execute qualitative and/or quantitative analyses to test and analyze hypotheses.
• Synthesize findings, develop recommendations, and communicate results to clients and internal teams.
• Provide thought leadership and innovation within projects and practice areas.
• Participate in business development.
• Contribute to internal firm activities.
• Coach and mentor junior team members.

Qualifications

• MBA with a bachelor's (and often graduate) degree and strong academic record in business, economics, marketing, psychology, physical or life sciences, engineering, applied math, statistics, or related fields; alternatively a PhD in marketing, economics, decision sciences or related field with business application.
• In lieu of an MBA or PhD, 5‑8 years of relevant work experience may substitute.
• Up to 3 years of post‑MBA relevant work experience, and 3‑5 years of pre‑MBA work experience.
• Prior consulting experience from Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG or other top similar firms is desired.
• Research and Development experience desired; strong strategy experience required.

Skills

• High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiative.
• Aptitude for, and enjoyment of, leading and managing teams.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to impact senior‑level decision makers.
• Strong attention to detail with a quality‑focused mindset.
• Analytic problem‑solving skills with a creative and innovative outlook.
• Client service orientation and client‑first mentality.
• Intense work ethic and collaborative spirit.
• Fluency in English.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package supporting health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development.
• Robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture.
• Hybrid working model: flexible combination of work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of the week.
• Travel is required for client‑facing roles; business needs dictate travel frequency, providing opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth.
• Commitment to inclusion and belonging: building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences; support networks to cultivate community spaces and obtain resources to thrive.
• Work authorization: candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship (position not eligible for visa sponsorship).