Strategy & Market Access Consultant for Commercial Growth

ZS; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS is seeking a Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant in the United States to lead diverse engagements across healthcare and life sciences, driving commercial strategy, market access, and value-based insights. You will manage client relationships, coordinate workshops, and translate complex problems into actionable recommendations.

The role requires 5–8+ years in management consulting or related fields, advanced degrees (MBA or PhD preferred), and strong skills in analytics, communication, and

Qualifications

• MBA with bachelor’s degree; PhD in marketing, economics, decision sciences or related field with business application.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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Client service orientation

Analytic problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Team leadership

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

MBA with bachelor’s degree

PhD in marketing/economics/decision sciences

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

AI technologies familiarity

Job description

ZS is seeking a Strategy Insights & Planning Consultant in the United States to lead diverse engagements across healthcare and life sciences, driving commercial strategy, market access, and value-based insights. You will manage client relationships, coordinate workshops, and translate complex problems into actionable recommendations.

The role requires 5–8+ years in management consulting or related fields, advanced degrees (MBA or PhD preferred), and strong skills in analytics, communication, and