Management Consultant

Management consultants find solutions to improve the business process, efficiency and productivity of organisations. Their responsibilities may include:

• working closely with their client's management team and staff, discussing the business structure, operational issues and requirements
• interpreting the client's requirements to create a detailed business solution
• collecting and analysing data
• modelling and mapping business processes
• presenting recommendations to senior management
• agreeing on a project schedule
• providing training or workshops.

Projects can range from a strategic review and assessing the options through to developing a business case and may include finance, production, retail, human resources (HR) or IT.

Depending on the needs of the client, projects may run from one day to several years.

Management consultants work normal office hours, from Monday to Friday, but sometimes weekend and evening work are required. They usually work in an office, but may spend a great deal of time at their client's site. There is likely to be some travelling, which may involve staying away from home.

Salaries may range from £25,000 a year, to over £50,000 for very senior jobs.

A management consultant should have:

• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• strong project management and IT skills
• a logical and enquiring mind
• physical and mental stamina
• an interest in business and the economy.

There are job opportunities throughout the UK, in big multinational consultancies and smaller niche consultancies. Competition for jobs is intense.

Management consultants usually have a degree. Most employers will look for candidates with at least a 2:1 degree and postgraduate qualifications may be useful. Business studies, economics, maths or IT degrees may give an advantage.

Following a structured induction programme, training is on the job and may include in-house training courses combined with study for external professional qualifications. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential.

A typical promotional route would be to join a management consultancy as a graduate, analyst or junior consultant and then be promoted to consultant, senior consultant, principal consultant and finally partner. Consultants can also specialise in a hands-on role, or move into a related area, senior management or self-employment.

Further details