Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Kearney is a leading consulting firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences, and they are seeking a Principal to drive the growth of their Pharma R&D Strategy offering. The role involves leading complex strategy engagements, advising senior executives in pharmaceutical R&D, and developing client relationships while mentoring junior consultants.
Responsibilities
- Lead large, complex strategy engagements for pharmaceutical and biopharma clients across R&D and clinical development functions
- Advise senior executives on strategic topics including:
- Clinical development strategy
- Drug development strategy
- Clinical trial strategy and operating models
- Clinical operations transformation
- Regulatory affairs strategy
- Pharmacovigilance and drug safety strategy
- Clinical trial feasibility and development planning
- Digital strategy and transformation across R&D organizations
- Support clients in designing and optimizing R&D operating models and organizational effectiveness
- Drive strategic problem solving from issue identification through analysis, synthesis, and executive recommendation development
- Translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for C-suite stakeholders
- Lead cross-functional teams and independently manage high-impact engagement workstreams
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client leadership across pharmaceutical and biopharma organizations
- Provide thought leadership on evolving trends across Pharma R&D, clinical development, and digital transformation
- Originate and expand client relationships across Pharma and Life Sciences accounts
- Support growth of Kearney’s Pharma R&D Strategy capabilities within the practice
- Lead proposal development and contribute to senior-level client pitches
- Identify opportunities to expand strategic advisory relationships within existing and new clients
- Contribute to the development of intellectual capital and differentiated market offerings across Pharma R&D and clinical development
- Mentor and develop junior consultants and engagement teams
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment
- Provide coaching and oversight across multiple engagements to ensure quality and impact
- Help build and strengthen Kearney’s Pharma R&D Strategy presence within Life Sciences
Skills
- MBA preferred and 10+ years of professional experience
- Significant management consulting experience at the Principal level or equivalent
- A strong traditional consulting background with experience leading strategy engagements within Pharma R&D and clinical development
- Experience advising pharmaceutical and biopharma clients across one or more of the following areas: Clinical development, Drug development, Clinical operations, Regulatory affairs, Pharmacovigilance / drug safety, Clinical trial feasibility, Clinical development program strategy, R&D operating models, Digital strategy and transformation within R&D organizations
- Deep pharmaceutical industry expertise; candidates focused primarily on medtech or consumer health are less aligned for this role
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategic advisory engagements versus operational execution-focused delivery work
- Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Experience managing proposal development, client pitches, and business development efforts
- Proven ability to independently lead multiple complex workstreams and client relationships
- Exceptional communication, analytical, and leadership skills
- Willingness to travel as required
Benefits
- Generous retirement/pension savings contributions
- Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and immediate family
- Gym membership discounts
- Non-partner equity-based awards (for consulting managers and above)
- Structured and on-the-job learning and development opportunities
- Personalized opportunities including talent mobility, flexible work programs, and externships to help you chart a unique career journey to pursue your own personal and professional goals
- Discretionary performance bonus
- Paid time off
- 401(k) match and profit sharing
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Healthcare concierge
- Backup child/adult care
- Annual employer HSA contribution
- Home office stipend
- Subsidized Gympass and annual wellness program
- Leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Company Overview
Kearney is a management consulting company offering services ranging from strategy to operations and IT. It was founded in 1926, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 5001-10000 employees. Its website is https://www.jp.kearney.com/.Company H1B Sponsorship
Kearney has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 9 in 2026, 73 in 2025, 69 in 2024, 81 in 2023, 94 in 2022, 64 in 2021, 24 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.