Job Description
What you'll do: AI Commercial Associate Principal will...
AI & Data Science Strategy
- Define and lead AI transformation roadmaps for pharma clients aligning data science innovation with commercial strategy and business priorities.
- Shape and communicate a clear AI vision for clients identifying high-value use cases and building the organizational capabilities to scale them.
- Advise senior stakeholders on how to leverage machine learning GenAI and agentic AI to enhance customer engagement marketing effectiveness forecasting field operations and patient services operations.
- Represent ZS as a thought leader on AI-driven business transformation within pharma contributing to industry forums publications and innovation programs.
Program Leadership & Delivery
- Lead end-to-end AI program design and implementation from defining the problem and identifying data sources to model development piloting and scaled deployment.
- Drive business impact by ensuring AI initiatives are tightly integrated into client workflows supported by change management and clear ROI tracking.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams - including data science analytics business transformation and technology - to deliver solutions that are both technically robust and commercially relevant.
- Ensure consistent delivery excellence across multiple AI programs managing risk scope and stakeholder expectations.
- Strong familiarity with AI and ML platforms cloud environments and MLOps practices (e.g. Databricks Snowflake AWS Azure MLflow) to effectively guide technical discussions and program success
Client & Business Leadership
- Build and sustain trusted advisory relationships with VP- and C-level leaders across commercial analytics and data functions.
- Partner with clients to identify new AI opportunities build investment cases and shape multi-year AI transformation roadmaps.
- Lead business development efforts - from shaping proposals and presenting solutions to expanding relationships across client organizations.
- Contribute to the evolution of ZS's AI offerings ensuring they reflect the latest in data science innovation and real-world commercial needs.
Team Leadership & People Development
- Lead and mentor teams of consultants and data scientists to deliver high-impact AI programs.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages curiosity experimentation and intellectual rigor.
- Provide structured feedback career development and leadership opportunities for emerging AI talent at ZS.
- Promote close collaboration between consulting analytics and technology practices ensuring integrated client delivery.
What you'll bring:
- Master's or PhD in Computer Science Data Science Artificial Intelligence Applied Mathematics Engineering or a related quantitative discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in AI and data science to business transformation with significant exposure to pharma commercial functions (sales marketing market access or patient services).
- Proven success in designing and implementing AI/ML programs that drive measurable business outcomes not just model accuracy.
- Demonstrated experience in shaping AI strategy and leading large cross-functional transformation initiatives.
- Deep expertise in data science methodologies machine learning and the application of Generative and Agentic AI in business contexts.
- Strong understanding of pharma commercial data ecosystems (e.g. patient data HCP data RWD CRM/marketing data).
- Familiarity with modern AI and data technology environments to enable effective partnership with technology teams.
- Track record of executive engagement and stakeholder management at VP and C-suite levels.
- Experience leading and inspiring global teams across geographies and functions.
- Fluency in English
- Client-first mentality
- Intense work ethic
- Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach
Preferred Attributes
- Strategic thinker with the ability to connect AI innovation to tangible commercial outcomes.
- Recognized or emerging thought leader in AI applications for life sciences.
- Exceptional communication influencing and storytelling skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving innovation.
- Passion for transforming healthcare and patient outcomes through AI.
- Willingness to travel as required for client engagement
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.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial) is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com
Skills Required
- Master's or PhD in Computer Science Data Science Artificial Intelligence Applied Mathematics Engineering or a related quantitative discipline
- 10+ years of experience in AI and data science to business transformation
- Proven success in designing and implementing AI/ML programs that drive measurable business outcomes
- Demonstrated experience in shaping AI strategy and leading large cross-functional transformation initiatives
- Deep expertise in data science methodologies machine learning and application of Generative and Agentic AI
- Strong understanding of pharma commercial data ecosystems
- Familiarity with modern AI and data technology environments
- Track record of executive engagement and stakeholder management at VP and C-suite levels
- Experience leading and inspiring global teams across geographies and functions
- Fluency in English
What the Team is Saying










ZS Compensation & Benefits Highlights
- Healthcare Strength—Comprehensive medical dental and vision coverage is paired with mental‑health resources and unlimited in‑the‑moment EAP access for U.S. employees and dependents. This breadth supports well‑being across preventive mental health and routine care.
- Parental & Family Support—A U.S. Family Leave Program provides 10 weeks paid for birth/adoption or family care with new mothers eligible for an additional six weeks (up to 16 total). Family‑forming support includes fertility treatments adoption and surrogacy assistance and Milk Stork for traveling parents.
- Inclusive Benefits Coverage—Transgender‑inclusive healthcare is explicitly covered including procedures hormones and related care. LGBTQIA+‑inclusive policies are emphasized alongside an Equality 100 score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.
ZS Insights
What We Do
ZS is a management consulting and technology firm that partners with companies to improve 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. Founded in 1983 ZS has more than 15000+ employees in over 40 offices worldwide.
Why Work With Us
ZS is home to passionate people who embrace innovative thinking collaboration and a client-first mindset. Welcome to a company where new ideas are celebrated curiosity is welcomed learning opportunities are abundant and colleagues become lifelong connections.
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ZS Teams
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
The Flexible & Connected model is our ZS standard. ZSers decide where it makes the most sense for them to work each day given client or teamwork.




































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Date Posted
05/21/2026
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