Digital Transformation Lead - Manufacturing

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.
ZS's Supply Chain & Manufacturing (SCM) practice is dedicated to helping clients unlock value and achieve operational excellence through digital transformation. With a team of over 200 experts and practitioners, ZS partners with leading organizations worldwide to drive innovation across the manufacturing value chain. The team has successfully delivered more than 100 digital transformation projects globally, spanning industries such as automotive, life sciences, consumer products, and industrials.
As a Digital Transformation Leader for Manufacturing at ZS (Technology Associate Principal), you will drive end-to-end digital transformation initiatives for global manufacturing clients. You will leverage deep expertise in Industry 4.0/5.0, IoT, AI, and advanced analytics to architect and execute strategies that deliver measurable business value. You will partner with C-suite executives, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure successful adoption of digital solutions across the manufacturing value chain.
This person will need to fully understand the company and its service lines and actively assess/present ways to serve clients by developing solutions and offerings relevant to that client base. The successful candidate will work closely with ZS leadership; grow the practice by expanding client and customer relationships and building trusted advisory relationships with executives at the company's various accounts.
What you'll do:

• Develop and execute digital transformation strategies for manufacturing clients, from vision to value realization.
• Lead large-scale Industry 4.0/5.0 programs, including IoT, IIoT, cloud, AI/ML, and automation projects across sectors such as Automotive, Life Sciences, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, and Consumer Products. Manage end-to-end project delivery, ensuring on-time, within-budget execution and alignment with client objectives.
• Develop and manage client relationships on projects. Deeply understand client's business challenges and provide thought leadership in addressing issues. Identify opportunities and contribute to the selling of additional work to new and existing clients;
• Active involvement in pre-sales opportunities, building new assets and platforms that will support ZS strategic growth
• Architect and implement digital solution (e.g., digital twins, predictive analytics, smart sensors, process automation) to optimize manufacturing operations, supply chain, quality and maintenance. Have an eye on Industrial/technology disruptions and develop POVs on how to help clients deal with the same.
• Drive organizational change management, ensuring adoption of new technologies and digital ways of working. Lead workshops, training, and stakehoder engagement to foster a culture of innovation and data-driven decision making.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to C-level executives, shaping their digital agendas and guiding strategic investments.
• Represent ZS at industry forums, publish thought leadership, and contribute to the firm's digital manufacturing practice growth.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 18+ years of professional experience spanning consulting and core industry roles, with a strong blend of strategic advisory, digital transformation leadership, and hands-on operational exposure in manufacturing environments.
• Significant tenure in the consulting industry, driving large-scale transformation programs for global clients, including roadmap definition, operating model design, capability building, and delivery oversight for digital manufacturing, IT-OT integration, and Industry 4.0/5.0 initiatives.
• Prior foundational experience in the core manufacturing industry, providing deep understanding of real-world plant operations, production processes, supply chain dynamics, and technology adoption challenges within complex industrial setups.
• Deep expertise in Industry 4.0/5.0, IoT/IIoT, cloud platforms, AI/ML, automation, and IT-OT integration, along with hands-on experience implementing digital manufacturing solutions (MES, QMS, LIMS, PIMS, SCADA, historians, edge computing, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes across multiple sectors (e.g., Automotive, Life Sciences, Oil & Gas, FMCG), combining core industry exposure with consulting-led transformation experience.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional and multi-geography teams, manage P&L or portfolio-level financials, and deliver complex, multi-tower digital programs in advisory and delivery roles.
• Certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, SIRI Assessor, or equivalent are a plus.

How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Hybrid working model:
ZS is committed to a Flexible and Connected way of working. ZSers are onsite at clients or ZS offices three days a week. Combined flexibility to work remotely two days a week is also available. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:
At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in India , visit ZS India office locations | Where we work | ZS .
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
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Find Out More At:
www.zs.com