Principal, Strategic Advisory Consulting (Life Sciences Supply Chain & Operations)

DTAS Strategic Advisory Consulting (Life Sciences Supply Chain & Operations) IQVIA™ is The Human Data Science Company™, focused on using data and science to help healthcare clients find better solutions for their patients. IQVIA offers a broad range of solutions that harness advances in healthcare information, technology, analytics and human ingenuity to drive healthcare forward.

DTAS (Data, technology and Advisory Services) Strategic Advisory team will work directly with life sciences clients as a trusted partner, helping them navigate complex strategic, technological, and operational challenges. You will shape and deliver high‑impact consulting engagements for VP+ stakeholders, building deep client intimacy through insight‑driven dialogue, proactive partnership, and consistent delivery excellence.

IQVIA Global Advisory Services, EMEA Cluster is expanding its Life Sciences Supply Chain & Operations practice to support pharmaceutical and biotech clients in Europe. We are hiring for two key positions: a Principal/Sr. Principal and an Associate Principal/Manager – 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.

Role

The Principal/Sr. Principal will contribute to further expanding IQVIA’s supply chain and operations consulting initiatives in Europe, acting as the client engagement lead and subject matter expert. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping strategy, driving business development, and ensuring high‑quality project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Practice Leadership: Build and lead a regional consulting team focused on supply chain & operations. Define go‑to‑market strategy and new service offerings that complement IQVIA’s existing clinical and commercial consulting. Provide thought leadership on industry trends (e.g. supply chain digitalization, advanced analytics).
• Client Engagement & Delivery: Act as principal owner of consulting engagements, ensuring client satisfaction and high‑quality, value‑added deliverables. Lead project teams to solve critical operations challenges such as:
  • Manufacturing Network Strategy: Advise on manufacturing footprint optimization and localization vs. globalization decisions to boost resilience. Help clients realize efficiency gains and cost reduction through network optimization.
  • End‑to‑end Value Chain Planning & Operational Excellence: Oversee holistic value chain transformations that secure seamless sales and operations planning, eliminate waste and improve productivity and cost to serve. Implement S&OP processes, lean manufacturing or continuous improvement programs across client networks.
  • S&OP and Supply Planning: Implement or improve Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to align demand forecasting with production and inventory planning. Use S&OP to proactively identify potential drug shortages and adjust plans before patients are impacted.
  • Commercial Distribution Strategy: Design distribution and logistics strategies for Europe, including pharma distribution network optimization and pharmacy delivery models. Ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and robust cold‑chain management.
  • Biotech Expansion & Operating Model: Advise emerging biotech clients on establishing European operations and supply chains. Develop target operating models covering regulatory compliance, distribution setup, and outsourced vs. in‑house functions.
  • Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) Scaling: Provide expertise in scaling supply chains for cell and gene therapies. Ensure clients’ CGT products have robust, reliable supply chain plans, addressing challenges like ultra‑cold storage, vein‑to‑vein tracking, and rapid turnaround.
  • Business Development: Drive growth of the practice by identifying client needs and developing proposals. Lead sales efforts for supply chain consulting engagements.
  • Thought Leadership: Stay abreast of industry trends in pharma operations, such as digital supply chain innovations, advanced therapies logistics, and regulatory changes.
  • Team Development: Mentor and develop a team of consultants and managers. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages cross‑functional problem solving and continuous learning.

Skills & Experience

• Client network: Proven ability to cultivate high‑value client engagements and build a large network of C‑level relationships in the life sciences industry.
• Experience: 12+ years in management consulting or relevant industry roles, with a strong focus on pharmaceutical/biotech supply chain and operations. Track record of leading complex projects in manufacturing strategy, supply chain transformation, or operational excellence. Prior consulting experience at Principal/Director level or similar is highly desirable.
• Domain expertise: Deep knowledge of pharma supply chain trends and best practices, including manufacturing network design, outsourced/virtual manufacturing models, distribution channels, and regulatory requirements in Europe. Familiarity with cell & gene therapy logistics and biotech expansion challenges is a plus.
• Commercial focus: Strong understanding of commercial supply chains for launched products, demand forecasting, inventory management, and life‑cycle cost management.
• Leadership & client skills: Demonstrated ability to lead consulting engagements and multidisciplinary teams. Excellent client relationship skills, business development experience, and proven ability to close deals.
• Analytical & data skills: Proficiency in data‑driven problem solving using advanced analytics or modeling in network optimization, scenario planning, and risk analysis. Experience with relevant tools or methodologies in supply chain modeling or S&OP planning is a plus.
• Education: MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field (Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Life Sciences) strongly preferred. APICS or other supply chain certifications are a bonus.
• Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills. Able to distill complex operational issues into clear, actionable strategies.
• Language & travel: Fluency in English required; proficiency in German and/or other European languages is a plus. Willingness to travel across Europe (~30% expected).

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.

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