Life Sciences R&D Strategy Leader for AI Transformation

Accenture; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Accenture is seeking a Senior Manager or Principal Director to lead R&D reinvention initiatives across life sciences, advising top biopharma clients on strategy, pipeline decisions, and AI-enabled transformation. You will drive end-to-end engagements, foster senior client relationships, and contribute to practice growth through thought leadership and capability building.

You will partner across Accenture teams to deliver tailored R&D strategy solutions, including data and AI, technology

Qualifications

• 8+ years of combined experience in Life Sciences R&D or related consulting/industry leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading strategy engagements with measurable outcomes for biopharma clients.
• Experience presenting strategic recommendations and transformation roadmaps to C-suite and VP-level stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of AI, data, digital technologies in biopharma R&D and translating that into client strategy.
• Demonstrated success in business development: identifying opportunities, shaping proposals, and building senior client relationships.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing junior professionals.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Bachelor's degree is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex R&D strategy engagements from problem framing through delivery with measurable client impact.
• Advise clients on R&D transformation priorities including strategy, portfolio management, and AI integration.
• Develop strategic recommendations, roadmaps, and reinvention narratives for senior R&D stakeholders.
• Guide program lifecycle, ensuring delivery excellence on large-scale engagements.
• Build and grow senior client relationships across biopharma R&D functions.
• Partner with the broader Accenture team to bring tailored expertise for R&D engagements.

Skills

Life Sciences R&D

Strategic problem solving

Client relationship management

Business development

Team leadership

Willing to travel

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or PhD preferred

Job description

Accenture is seeking a Senior Manager or Principal Director to lead R&D reinvention initiatives across life sciences, advising top biopharma clients on strategy, pipeline decisions, and AI-enabled transformation. You will drive end-to-end engagements, foster senior client relationships, and contribute to practice growth through thought leadership and capability building.

You will partner across Accenture teams to deliver tailored R&D strategy solutions, including data and AI, technology