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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead consulting projects to transform business processes in the Life Sciences sector.
- Company: Cognizant, a top global IT and consulting firm with a mission-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by innovating and improving client operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in management consulting and expertise in Life Sciences domains.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing globally.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Principal Consultant (Associate Director) - Life Sciences Industry – Life Sciences Consulting role within Cognizant Consulting. We are growing our Life Sciences Consulting team and are looking for Principal Consultants who are passionate about solving complex client challenges and delivering meaningful transformation.
About The Company
Cognizant (NASDAQ:CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world’s leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant has over 350,000 employees as of January 2026. Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 1000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world.
At Cognizant Consulting, we orchestrate the capabilities to truly change the game across strategy, design, technology and industry/functional knowledge to deliver insight at speed and solutions at scale. Our consulting services elevate the unique abilities and business aspirations of customers and employees and build relationships based on trust and value.
About the Role
As a Principal Consultant, you will work closely with a Consulting Partner and client account teams to shape and deliver consulting engagements within our major strategic and growth accounts. You will blend strong consulting craft, domain knowledge, and client engagement skills to help our clients improve the way they operate, make decisions, and deliver for patients. This role suits someone who combines consulting depth with commercial awareness, can spot opportunities, shape follow-on work and build trusted client relationships through the quality of their delivery.
What You’ll Do
- Lead consulting engagements that assess, improve, or transform business processes within Commercial, R&D, Manufacturing, or Data & AI domains.
- Work directly with mid-to-senior client stakeholders to understand challenges, develop structured solutions, and deliver clear, actionable recommendations.
- Shape opportunities to help our clients succeed, oversee their delivery, and ensure high-quality outcomes throughout engagements.
- Apply structured consulting methods such as process mapping and redesign, operating model definition, journey mapping, business case development, and design thinking techniques.
- Partner with Consulting Partners and account teams to identify client needs and support the growth Cognizant across the account.
- Collaborate with our capability and offering teams to bring the best of Cognizant’s expertise to clients.
- Mentor and support Consultants and Senior Consultants as part of a growing practice.
- Contribute to thought leadership, methods, or accelerators in your area of domain expertise.
What You Bring
- Strong background in management consulting, with experience in the Life Sciences sector.
- Expertise in one or more domains: Commercial, R&D, Manufacturing, or Data & AI.
- Ability to frame problems, structure analysis, lead workshops, and design solutions.
- Understand how AI impacts businesses and able to identify practical and impactful applications.
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and working within large, complex organisations.
- Experience leading small-to-medium consulting or technical delivery teams.
- A collaborative, curious, and client-focused mindset.
- Proven consulting knowledge of key consulting toolkits and methods such as: Process assessment and redesign, Operating model design, Business case creation and value articulation.
Why Join Cognizant Life Sciences Consulting?
We are a Life Sciences consulting team that’s shaping the future of pharma through process reinvention and the power of AI. You’ll work deeply with major industry clients while contributing across a diverse portfolio, helping them transform how they innovate, operate, and deliver value for patients. Our consultants come from a wide range of backgrounds, all united by a shared purpose to improve health and wellbeing in society. With a supportive culture, strong career pathways, and opportunities to influence our evolving offerings, you’ll make a real impact while growing your craft in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Principal Consultant (Associate Director) - Life Sciences Industry employer: Cognizant
Contact Detail:
Cognizant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant (Associate Director) - Life Sciences Industry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Life Sciences sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Principal Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your consulting methods and industry knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you can help clients improve their operations and deliver value, especially in areas like R&D and AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver meaningful transformation for clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining Cognizant's Life Sciences Consulting team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant (Associate Director) - Life Sciences Industry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in management consulting and the Life Sciences sector, showcasing how you've solved complex client challenges in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about your passion for the Life Sciences industry and how you can contribute to Cognizant's mission. Be specific about your skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Consulting Skills: In your application, emphasise your consulting toolkit and methods. Mention any experience with process mapping, operating model design, or business case development to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the Life Sciences sector. Familiarise yourself with Cognizant's recent projects and how they align with your expertise. This will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex client challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting how your solutions led to meaningful transformations.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would engage with mid-to-senior client stakeholders. Show that you can build trusted relationships and understand their needs by asking insightful questions.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Cognizant values a collaborative mindset, so be ready to share experiences where you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight your mentoring skills and how you've supported others in achieving their goals, as this aligns with the role's expectations.
