Reflecting on the last 12 months of Strategy Hiring

Over the last 12 months, our clients have actively sought strategy and management consulting talent to oversee a range of strategic projects and positions. The past year has seen these professionals step into critical new roles, driving transformational change and contributing to their organisations' strategic direction.

This is the second article in our series, "Unlocking Opportunities Beyond Management Consulting—Insights from SA's Talent Acquisition Experts," in which we explore the evolving dynamics of strategy and management consulting talent in various sectors.

We have noticed a significant rise in management consultants reaching out for career guidance and potential placement in corporate, private equity or alternative positions. This surge in consultant mobility indicates a growing inclination among professionals to explore opportunities beyond conventional consulting roles and firms.

Trends in TSRecruitment's Strategy Hiring: Consultants Transiting into New Roles and Companies

The educational background of these hires is impressive, with qualifications ranging from MSc, MBA, and Honours degrees to Postgraduate Diplomas. Graduates from as recent as 2022 to as far back as 2010 have been placed in high-impact roles. Predominantly, these professionals are from Tier 1 and Tier 2 consulting firms, including industry leaders such as McKinsey & Co, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, and Deloitte Consulting.

Previous roles have varied widely, encompassing positions such as Senior Data Scientist, Strategy Consultant, CEO and Co-Founder, and various managerial roles. This diverse experience equips them with the versatility needed to excel in their new positions.

Our clients are witnessing fundamental shifts in career titles and responsibilities in the Financial Services, Insurance, Health/Life Sciences, and Impact Investing sectors.

Additionally, new career titles are emerging, reflecting evolving roles in the corporate landscape

Strategic Chief of Staff (or Executive Associate): These roles are gaining traction for their strategic importance in guiding top-level decisions and actions.

Transformations and Operations: Consultants are leading organisational change and operational efficiency efforts.

Internal Strategy Functions: Professionals take on key roles in developing and executing internal strategies aligned with broader corporate goals.

At major companies, former consultants embrace interesting titles like Exponential Growth Lead and Special Projects Manager.

Moreover, there's a notable trend in the rising demand for strategy management consultants to spearhead digital transformation initiatives. These consultants are in high demand with good digital capabilities as organisations prioritise adapting to an increasingly virtual world. This underscores the critical role of digital expertise in shaping modern business strategies.

Looking Ahead

We predict the Chief of Staff or Executive Associate role will continue to be popular, significantly impacting how organisations leverage talent from a strategic management consulting background. The market for strategy management consulting talent is expected to remain steady in the next year, driven by the ongoing need for strategic oversight and digital transformation.

In Conclusion

Reflecting on the last 12 months of strategy hiring, we see a dynamic landscape where strategic and digital capabilities are paramount. The trend of hiring top-tier consulting talent into pivotal roles promises to shape the future of organisational strategy and operations.

For Management Consultants seeking new opportunities, the demand for your skills remains robust. Please contact us to explore the exciting roles available.

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