In with Thomas
As a Senior Manager at Precedence, Thomas optimizes and digitalizes production and quality processes for top Life Science companies worldwide. Yet, four years ago, he had no background in Life Science consulting. His journey at Precedence has been fueled by an entrepreneurial mindset, diverse management experience, and a strong curiosity, along with the freedom to develop himself within the company.
A new challenge
After a varied career in the legal and machinery rental sectors, Thomas decided to make the leap into consulting. “I’ve always embraced new opportunities with enthusiasm; that’s just who I am. I love to learn and constantly seek new challenges. Over the years, I worked on innovation projects in sales, marketing, strategy, and data analysis. But after a decade in the same industry, I was ready for something new, something that would truly challenge and excite me again,” he explains.
That moment came when he received a message on LinkedIn: ‘Process consulting: would that be something for you?’ He wasn’t familiar with Precedence or how they helped companies work smarter, but his curiosity was piqued.
During his conversations with founders Roy and Mark, he immediately felt a connection. “I still didn’t fully understand what they did, but their enthusiasm left a lasting impression. Then I spoke with other intelligent, driven people at the firm, and I was convinced: ‘This is where I can grow and learn a lot.’ It felt like the right moment for a career switch.”
First steps into Life Science Consulting
With his broad experience, Thomas was quickly considered for a management role at Precedence. “I had never specialized in one industry before, so switching to consulting was my chance to dive deep into a field. I told them I wanted to focus entirely on content before stepping into a management role. I was given that opportunity, which allowed me to take on diverse projects right away.”
"I still didn’t fully understand what they did, but their enthusiasm left a strong impression."
Making international impact with Life Science Consulting
At Precedence, Thomas had the opportunity to immerse himself in Life Sciences & Healthcare, a relatively new sector for the firm at the time. What immediately attracted him was the industry’s complexity and global scale. “Our projects span entire continents. What started as independent assignments quickly grew into teams managing multiple projects simultaneously. Making an impact together while also growing within Precedence is incredibly rewarding.”
His work has taken him to some remarkable places. “Recently, I was in the U.S. with our team, analyzing an advanced pharmaceutical plant. We assessed how to speed up the process from incoming raw materials to product release while improving quality and compliance through smart technology. Dressed in full protective gear (suits, goggles, gloves) I saw our work come to life. If my twelve-year-old self had known that one day I’d be in a pharmaceutical plant in the U.S., I would have felt immense confidence in the future.”
Read the T-Mobile case study >
Bridging the gap between business and IT
“Consulting is often associated with lengthy reports and endless PowerPoint slides, but at Precedence, we take a different approach. We don’t just focus on digital transformation—we bridge the gap between business and IT, ensuring that change is truly embraced. Listening closely to clients is key to making a real impact.”
One of the biggest challenges in Life Sciences is supply chain complexity and data integration. “A product is rarely manufactured from start to finish in one location. To bring a product to market, companies need full visibility across the entire supply chain to meet compliance requirements. By optimizing quality processes and implementing smart technology, we can get medicines to patients faster. That has a direct societal impact—it can even save lives.”
One of his proudest achievements? A collaboration with a top-five global Life Sciences company. “We worked on streamlining the process for externally produced batches at CMOs (Contract Manufacturing Organizations) and optimizing batch information exchange. By eliminating manual, error-prone tasks, we created a smart platform in collaboration with the client’s international project group. This significantly improved efficiency, scalability, and collaboration with external partners.”
The art of Life Science consulting: adaptability
Success in Life Sciences & Healthcare consulting requires more than technical expertise: it demands adaptability. “As a consultant, you have to be a chameleon,” Thomas says. “You need to understand stakeholders and be mindful of cultural differences across borders. The international setting, with diverse ways of thinking and working, makes this field both challenging and rewarding.”
The dynamic nature of his projects keeps him sharp. “You have to know when to take the lead and when to step back. It’s about flexibility and balancing execution, technology, and human interaction.”
Entrepreneurship as a consultant
At Precedence, Thomas has found the perfect environment to nurture his entrepreneurial spirit. “Here, you’re not micromanaged. You get the freedom and trust to shape your own ambitions. That fuels my entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to Precedence. If you’re curious, entrepreneurial, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment, this is the place to be.”
Satisfied clients: the fuel for a consultant
“Over the years, my role at Precedence has evolved significantly. Initially, I focused purely on project execution. Now, I’m more involved in industry development, mentoring our consultants, and building long-term client relationships. My work in Life Sciences consulting has become more strategic, allowing me to make a greater impact.”
“What truly motivates me is the impact we create. When a client becomes your advocate, you know you’ve done something right. It gives me energy to hear that our work is making a real difference. Solving complex challenges alongside the client and delivering solutions with genuine value. That’s what drives me.”
