Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant - Commercial Strategy & Market Access

ZS • South San Francisco, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

ZS is 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. The Insights & Analytics group partners with clients to design and deliver solutions to help them tackle a broad range of business challenges. Our teams work on multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging advanced data analytics and problem-solving techniques. Our recommendations and solutions are based on rigorous research and analysis underpinned by deep expertise and thought leadership. Strategy Insights & Planning Consultants deliver high-quality solutions for our clients. Consultants possess unstructured problem-solving skills as well as strong analytic, synthesis and communication skills. Consultants may work on multiple projects simultaneously. As Consultants advance in their career, they specialize in a particular industry, practice area and/or client relationship.

Requirements

• MBA with bachelor's (and often graduate) degrees with a strong academic record in business, economics, marketing, psychology, physical or life sciences, engineering, applied math, statistics, or related fields. Alternately, candidates may possess a PhD in marketing, economics, decision sciences or related field with a business application. In lieu of an MBA or PhD, 5-8 years of relevant work experience may substitute.
• 5-8+ years of experience in management consulting, strategy, commercial operations, market access, value & access, marketing, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex client projects and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and structured problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and develop actionable recommendations.
• Experience leading client workshops, presentations, and collaborative working sessions.
• High degree of initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a strong desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced consulting environment.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and other core business applications.
• Interest in and familiarity with AI technologies and their applications in business and consulting environments.
• Up to 3 years of post-MBA relevant work experience, and 3-5 years of pre-MBA work experience.
• High motivation, good work ethic, maturity and personal initiative.
• Aptitude for, and enjoyment of, leading and managing teams.
• Effective oral and written communication skills that enable personal impact with 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.
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

Nice To Haves

• Prior healthcare, pharmaceutical, market access, or life sciences experience is a plus but not required.
• Previous consulting experience is preferred but not required.
• Hungry, self-motivated professional who thrives in a client-facing environment.
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and asking thoughtful, probing questions.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new topics and industries.
• Interest in how AI is transforming business processes and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial strategy, market access, value & access, and marketing-focused client engagements within the healthcare and life sciences industry.
• Serve as a day-to-day client contact, managing project execution, stakeholder communication, and ensuring successful delivery of project objectives.
• Facilitate client workshops and working sessions, driving productive discussions, alignment, and actionable outcomes.
• Translate complex business challenges into structured analyses and strategic recommendations for clients.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop insights that inform commercialization, pricing, access, and growth strategies.
• Leverage emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve efficiency, enhance analyses, and support client problem solving.
• 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 the 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development.
• Robust skills‑building programs
• Multiple career progression paths
• Internal mobility
• Deeply collaborative culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level