Senior R&D Strategy Lead: AI-Driven Biopharma Transformation

Accenture PLC

Columbus (OH)

On-site

USD 123,000 - 317,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Accenture is seeking a Senior Manager or Principal Director to lead end-to-end R&D strategy engagements, advising biopharma clients on AI-enabled transformation across discovery, development, and delivery.

You will drive business development, build senior client relationships, and collaborate with Data & AI, Technology Strategy, and Talent & Organization teams to shape reinvention programs. This role offers growth to Managing Director for high performers.

Qualifications

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 engagements with measurable outcomes for biopharma clients.
Experience developing and presenting 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 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 as client and business needs require.

Responsibilities

Lead complex R&D strategy 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 program lifecycle — shaping critical program stages, driving quality assurance, and ensuring delivery excellence on large-scale engagements.
Build, manage, and grow senior client relationships across biopharma R&D functions.
Partner with the broader Accenture team to bring the tailored expertise needed for an individual R&D Strategy engagement in support of our clients (e.g., Data & AI, Technology Strategy & Advisory, Talent & Organization)
Originate and shape new opportunities, lead 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.
Represent Accenture's R&D Strategy point of view in client briefings, industry forums, and executive conversations
Develop and contribute to thought leadership on R&D transformation, AI-driven discovery and development, and scientific innovation — publishing assets that establish Accenture's differentiated perspective in the market.
Build 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.