Manager or Associate Principal, EMEA Life Science Strategy Supply & Operations Consulting

Manager / Associate Principal, EMEA Strategy Supply & Operations Consulting

Location: Munich or Basel

Solution Area: Operations Consulting, Life Sciences

Real World Commercial Solutions to Create a Healthier World

In RWCS we’re passionate about improving the life sciences ecosystem and making decisions that accelerate innovation for a healthier world. Every day our team develops evidence-based strategies that are used in published research, clinical guidelines, and market access decisions, to improve healthcare at every touchpoint. We design and deliver Commercial Analytics, supported by our world-class proprietary data assets, solve complex client challenges through strategic consulting, and use leading edge market research techniques to support clients brand strategy, planning and measurement. We’re purpose-driven problem solvers, that do what we love to make a greater impact on human health.

IQVIA EMEA Strategy Consulting is expanding its Life Sciences Supply Chain & Operations practice to support pharmaceutical and biotech clients in Europe. We are looking for talented individuals to lead and deliver projects that extend our clinical and commercial consulting offerings into supply chain and operations. Both roles will be based in Germany or Switzerland with pan-European responsibilities. Prior experience in Consulting dedicated to pharmaceutical/biotech supply chain is strongly preferred, and the focus will be on commercial supply chains (manufacturing and distribution for marketed products, rather than clinical trial logistics).

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management: Manage end-to-end delivery of consulting projects in the supply chain/operations domain. Develop work plans, manage timelines and resources, and ensure high-quality outputs. Coordinate closely with client teams to gather data, provide updates, and drive implementation of recommendations.
• Client Advisory: Serve as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders at the project level , building strong working relationships. Understand client’s operational pain points and objectives; translate them into project scopes and solutions. Present findings and status updates to client sponsors in a clear, confident manner.
• Subject Matter Contribution: Provide hands-on expertise in areas such as:
  • Supply Chain Analysis & Design: Conduct detailed analyses of clients’ supply chain performance (e.g. inventory levels, lead times, service levels). Identify bottlenecks or risks and propose improvements. For instance, analyze the end-to-end value chain to spot inefficiencies or cost drivers, and redesign processes to eliminate non-value add activities (applying lean principles).
  • Manufacturing & Distribution Network Projects: Support manufacturing and distribution strategy engagements by running scenarios on network redesign (e.g. consolidating vs. expanding sites, make vs. buy, etc.). Evaluate the impact of changes on cost, capacity, resilience, and service levels.
  • Localization & Outsourcing Strategies: Assist in projects where clients consider localizing production or outsourcing . Perform supplier/Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) assessments, cost-benefit analyses of local vs. offshore manufacturing, and develop risk mitigation plans (dual sourcing, safety stock, etc.).
  • Distribution & Logistics Optimization: Map out clients’ distribution networks and logistics flows. Identify opportunities to reduce lead times or logistics costs (e.g. optimizing warehouse locations or delivery routes). Propose solutions like route optimization, 3PL partner changes, or technology enhancements.
  • Advanced Therapy Supply Planning: Work on specialized projects for cell and gene therapies or other high-value biologics. These often require designing bespoke supply chain workflows . Help develop scalable processes so clients can increase volume without compromising the personalized nature of these therapies.
  • S&OP Implementation: Lead workstreams to establish or refine S&OP processes for clients. This includes defining forecasting methodologies, setting up cross-functional S&OP meetings, and choosing supporting tools. Emphasize how S&OP creates cross-functional alignment on forecasted demand and supply plans , enabling early visibility into potential shortages or excess and allowing proactive adjustments. Train client teams on best practices for scenario planning and inventory optimization as part of S&OP.
  • Operational Excellence & Lean Projects: Execute initiatives that apply lean and Six Sigma techniques in production or supply chain operations to reduce cycle times, inventory, and defects. For example, run Kaizen workshops on a manufacturing site to streamline changeover processes, or implement 5S and visual management in a packaging facility to improve efficiency. Quantify savings and impact (e.g. % cost reduction or % service level improvement) to build the business case for broader rollout.
• Team Leadership: Guide and mentor junior consultants/analysts on the project team. Delegate tasks effectively and ensure analytical work is rigorous and accurate. Provide feedback and training to develop the team’s skills in supply chain analytics and consulting delivery.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Principal and other senior leaders to align project work with the overall client strategy. Collaborate with IQVIA’s data science, technology, and benchmarking teams to incorporate proprietary data or tools into solutions (for instance, using IQVIA data to inform demand forecasts or leveraging a digital twin for supply chain modeling).
• Management of Others - Enables others to perform. Sets a clear direction and delegates fairly and appropriately allowing direct reports the means to achieve their goals. Looks for opportunities to develop individuals by encouraging them to take on greater responsibility and make decisions for themselves

Who You Are

• Passionate about making a difference in the world of healthcare and life sciences with previous experience in Commercial Strategy Consulting projects
• 7+ years of experience in life science (Manager) / healthcare strategy consulting, and relevant project management experience (within management consulting) focused on large or multiple strategic consulting projects
• 9+ years of experience in life science (Associate Principal) / healthcare strategy consulting, and relevant project management experience (within management consulting) focused on large or multiple strategic consulting projects
• Experienced working in sizable/multi-disciplined teams and leading employees within the management consulting environment
• Interested in working in Consulting, in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment, and in continuing developing your expertise in the healthcare industry
• A good communicator with excellent interpersonal and team-working skills and strong written, numerical, and problem-solving skills
• Able to adapt, learn quickly, and apply new knowledge
• An effective and collaborative team worker

In addition to the skills and experience above a Manager / Associate Principal should have:

• Bachelor’s and master’s degree or equivalent, graduate degree or MBA not required but a plus
• A track record of leadership and people development
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)
• A willingness and ability to travel and work at client’s site
• Right to live and work in the recruiting country

Whatever your career goals, we are here to ensure you get there!

Benefits

We work hard to prioritise the things that matter most to you. Visit our benefits page for information on everything from perks to well-being initiatives and career enhancement.

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