Progression is based on merit, not time served and high performers will progress as fast as they want. Accurate feedback to individuals on how they are doing and what they need to do to develop themselves, ensures a balance between placing the primary responsibility on the individual to develop, and the personal and infrastructure support required to help.
In your career you could, for example, start as an Analyst, and move on to Consultant Analyst, Consultant, Principal Consultant and Managing Consultant. The rank structure eventually extends through to the more senior levels of the firm.
The different roles that can be undertaken by our consultants fall into three main categories: operating, selling and thought leadership. The list below will give you a brief description of each rank.
Analyst
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In general, has recently completed higher/further education and starts in PA with some relevant business experience.
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Supports a team of consultants in research/analysis in their specific technical field.
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Will be trained in appropriate analytical methods and in the basic disciplines of consultancy.
Consultant analyst
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Is generally a graduate with two to three years' work experience in a relevant field, frequently joining as an Analyst.
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Part of a project team under the supervision of a team leader, performs more demanding research/analysis with increasing client contact.
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Independently contributes to well-defined internal Practice projects.
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Receives sector-specific and core consultancy skills training.
Consultant
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Someone who is promoted from Consultant analyst, or comes as an experienced hire from industry or consulting sectors with a post-graduate qualification (academic, professional and /or technical).
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On assignment, works independently on own project tasks which are predominantly client-facing but under the supervision of an assignment manager.
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May be called on to provide input to sales, marketing and thought leadership activities.
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Receives training in operating assignment skills, sales techniques and communication skills.
Principal consultant
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Someone who has been promoted from the Consultant level, or recruited from either industry or consulting sectors with significant experience at the appropriate level.
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On assignment, manages day-to-day client relationship organisation.
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Act as assignment manager on small and medium-sized assignments, supervising small teams of two or three consultants and is responsible for quality, profit and project planning.
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Active participation in service proposition, business development work and thought leadership.
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Receives training in sales, operating assignments and communication skills. Where appropriate, personal career development resulting in possible promotion to Managing consultant will be encouraged.
Managing consultant
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Someone who has been promoted from Principal consultant; or recruited from a senior level in industry (but usually with prior consulting experience), or in consulting sectors.
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Active involvement in account management with client organisations.
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Works as an assignment manager on complex/large projects; responsible for initiating and leading sales and other business development activities.
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May have line management responsibilities.
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Sells and operates across national and Practice boundaries, developing PA competencies outside own field of expertise.
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Receives training in business management, key account management and assignment management of large, complex assignments, Undertakes advanced core communication, leadership, sales and operating skills. Where appropriate personal career development resulting in possible Senior member election will be encouraged.
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