Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant - Market Access

ZS; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel opportunities

Total rewards package

Job summary

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it. The Access Strategy & Implementation group helps pharmaceutical and biotech clients navigate payer and market access, designing pricing architectures and reimbursement research grounded in primary research with payers and providers.

You will translate complex payer intelligence into strategic assessments, lead pricing strategy projects, and mentor a team of associates.

Qualifications

• MBA with strong academic record or PhD with business application
• Demonstrated experience leading engagements with autonomy
• Fluency in English and client-facing communication skills

Responsibilities

• Translate payer/provider intelligence into access landscape assessments
• Lead pricing and contracting strategy projects with actionable recommendations
• Oversee analyses using claims data, formulary databases and pricing benchmarks
• Deliver executive-level presentations to senior client stakeholders
• Mentor and develop Associates and Associate Consultants
• Contribute to Value & Access thought leadership and proposal development
• Be available for clients during regular working hours

Skills

Client-facing skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

English fluency

Collaborative

Problem-solving

Education

MBA with bachelor's (and often graduate) degrees

PhD in marketing/economics/decision sciences

5-8 years relevant work experience substitute

Tools

Pricing databases

Formulary databases

Claims data analysis tools

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As 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. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Access Strategy & Implementation

Shape how life‑changing therapies reach patients by helping pharmaceutical companies navigate the payer and market access landscape with sharper intelligence.

ZS's B2B Access Value Realization group partners with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies to solve their most pressing market access and reimbursement challenges. Our work spans payer strategy, pricing architecture, access program design, and reimbursement research grounded in direct, rigorous primary research with the payers, PBMs, and providers who make coverage and formulary decisions every day.

What You’ll Do

• Translate complex payer and provider intelligence into access landscape assessments, coverage barrier analyses, and reimbursement risk frameworks that guide pre-launch and in-market strategy
• Lead pricing and contracting strategy projects, synthesizing WAC/net pricing benchmarks, formulary positioning data, and competitive access dynamics into actionable recommendations
• Oversee quantitative analyses using claims data, formulary databases, and pricing benchmarks, ensuring analytical rigor and strategic coherence across workstreams.
• Structure and deliver executive-level presentations to senior client stakeholders, including VP and C-suite market access and commercial leaders
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Associates and Associate Consultants — setting the standard for research quality, client presence, and professional growth
• Contribute to ZS's Value & Access thought leadership, proposal development, and capability building as a recognized expert in the payer and reimbursement space
• Gain immediate familiarity with client’s internal processes.
• Develop expertise within a client analytics area.
• Be available for clients during regular working hours.

What You’ll Bring

• 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.
• Up to 3 years of post-MBA relevant work experience, and 3-5 years of pre-MBA work experience.
• 6+ years of market access, payer strategy, or reimbursement consulting experience in or serving the pharmaceutical industry with a track record of leading engagements, not just contributing to them
• Demonstrated expertise conducting qualitative primary research with U.S. payers, PBMs, and providers; including experience designing research programs and moderating senior-level interviews independently
• Comprehensive fluency in the U.S. payer landscape: managed care organizations, Medicare Part B and D, Medicaid, formulary management, prior authorization, step therapy, and specialty pharmacy channels
• Command of pharmaceutical pricing strategy and contracting — WAC, net pricing, rebate structures, value-based agreements, and GPO/IDN dynamics
• Strong analytical foundation — able to oversee and pressure-test claims data analyses, formulary database modeling, and pricing benchmarking work
• Proven ability to lead client relationships with autonomy. You manage expectations, navigate difficult conversations, and consistently earn trust with senior stakeholders
• Experience leading and developing junior consultants, with a genuine investment in their growth
• Effective oral and written communication skills that enable personal impact with senior-level decision makers.
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

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.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

If you’re eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

Work Authorization:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.