Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Consulting Manager with deep Life Sciences domain expertise to serve as a trusted advisor embedded within a large global Pharma team. This is a senior client-facing role focused on operations transformation across Finance & Accounting, Manufacturing, and Commercial functions — helping business teams modernize processes, adopt AI-enabled ways of working, and drive measurable outcomes. The role is based in Abbott Park, IL with a mandatory on-site commitment of at least 3 days per week. This is a senior individual contributor position that combines domain advisory, process excellence, and digital transformation delivery.
Key Responsibilities
1. Client Advisory & Relationship Development
Serve as a day-to-day trusted advisor to senior business stakeholders across client functions.
Build and expand relationships within F&A, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams — identifying and shaping new engagement opportunities over time.
Represent Cognizant's Life Sciences and IPA capabilities in client conversations and position solutions aligned to client strategic priorities.
2. Operations Transformation & Process Excellence
Lead current-state assessments and future-state design across operations areas — identifying inefficiencies, automation opportunities, and transformation levers.
Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive structured, measurable process improvement initiatives.
Develop business cases, transformation roadmaps, and solution recommendations with a clear ROI narrative for senior client leadership.
3. AI-Enabled Solutioning
Apply hands-on experience with AI tools — including Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI/ChatGPT, Claude, and similar platforms — to accelerate analysis, surface insights, and demonstrate tangible productivity gains.
Guide client teams on practical AI adoption within their operational workflows.
Collaborate with Cognizant's IPA and technology practices to design AI-augmented process solutions.
4. Life Sciences Domain Execution
Bring deep functional knowledge across one or more of: Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Quality/Compliance, Commercial, or Manufacturing.
Ensure all solutions are designed and delivered in compliance with applicable regulations — GxP, HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11, and client-specific standards.
Translate complex domain context into actionable requirements and solution designs for delivery teams.
5. Stakeholder Management & Workshop Facilitation
Lead executive-level workshops, discovery sessions, and structured problem-solving engagements.
Communicate effectively across client business leadership, technical teams, and Cognizant delivery stakeholders.
Own client-facing deliverables — presentations, process maps, business cases, and transformation roadmaps.
6. Delivery Oversight & Program Support
Provide subject matter oversight across active engagements — ensuring delivery quality, managing scope, and escalating risks proactively.
Work in Agile/Scrum environments where applicable, contributing to sprint planning and backlog prioritization.
Support change management, vendor coordination, and UAT where required.
Required Skills & Qualifications
10+ years of experience in Life Sciences operations, domain consulting, or client advisory — with demonstrated client-facing responsibility.
Strong functional knowledge across one or more of: F&A, Manufacturing Operations, Commercial Life Sciences, Regulatory, or Clinical.
Demonstrated experience applying Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies in a Life Sciences or Healthcare environment (Green Belt minimum).
Hands-on working experience with AI tools — Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI, Claude, or equivalent — applied in real engagement or operational contexts.
Proven ability to independently build and manage senior client relationships.
Strong analytical, communication, and structured problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks: GxP, HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11.
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago metro area. Minimum 3 days per week on-site at client location — mandatory.
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Preferred Qualifications
Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Exposure to Intelligent Process Automation, RPA, or agentic AI workflows in an enterprise setting.
Experience supporting large global Pharma or Biotech accounts.
Familiarity with Life Sciences platforms such as Veeva, TrackWise, SAP S/4HANA, or similar.
Experience with IPA-led digital transformation programs.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The salary for this position is between $140,000 - $150,000k depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
· Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
· Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
· 401(k) plan and contributions
· Long-term/Short-term Disability
· Paid Parental Leave
· Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
