Life Sciences R&D Strategy & Transformation Senior Consultant

About This Role

This Senior Consultant role guides life sciences clients through critical transformation initiatives, focusing on R&D strategy and operational enhancements. The position supports clients in transforming their R&D organizations, developing strategic growth plans, and optimizing R&D operating models for improved quality, speed, and cost-efficiency in drug development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data-driven diagnostics of R&D performance, leveraging KPIs, benchmarking tools, and market insights to identify gaps and transformation opportunities
• Design and implement future-state R&D operating models, aligning structure, governance, and workflows with scientific and commercial priorities
• Design and lead implementation of strategic initiatives across the R&D value chain, leveraging data-driven insights to guide and measure tangible performance improvements
• Lead portfolio strategy assessments, including therapeutic area/disease area/indication prioritization, risk-adjusted pipeline valuation, and investment allocation
• Integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, real-world data platforms) into development workflows in partnership with digital and analytics teams
• Manage internal project teams comprising consultants, providing coaching, QA oversight, and delivery leadership
• Advise senior client stakeholders through structured engagements, executive workshops, and thought leadership
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing, account growth, and intellectual property

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in management consulting or strategic roles within biopharma/biotech R&D
• 4+ years delivering R&D operating model redesigns, transformation programs, or portfolio strategy projects
• 4+ years working in the biopharma drug development lifecycle and understanding of how R&D functions across the broader organization to deliver results
• 3+ years experience working with quantitative performance and portfolio/investment valuation frameworks, as well as scenario planning
• Bachelor's degree from accredited university with strong undergraduate academic record
• Ability to travel up to 50% on average
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university with strong undergraduate academic record
• 5+ years of experience in management consulting or strategic roles within biopharma/biotech R&D

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree in business (i.e., MBA)
• Ability to synthesize complex science, business, and operational dynamics into clear recommendations
• Prior experience in R&D management consulting at a leading life sciences consulting firm
• Hands-on R&D experience at a top-tier biopharmaceutical company

Skills

* Required skills