Strategy Consultant: missions, skills, training programmes, salary and career development

With rapidly changing global markets and increasing pressure to remain competitive, the role of strategy consultant has become essential for many companies. These professionals are responsible for analysing companies' internal and external environments, formulating appropriate strategies and supporting their implementation. They play a crucial role in identifying growth opportunities, managing risks and optimising performance. Whether for digital transformation, expansion into new markets or internal restructuring, Strategy Consultants help organisations navigate a complex and constantly changing economic landscape.

Description of the job of Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants often work within a strategy consultancy firm, or as independent consultants, to help companies navigate a competitive and constantly changing environment. They analyse corporate strategies, assess opportunities and risks, and propose tailor-made solutions to improve competitiveness and organisational efficiency. Strategy consultants work on a wide range of issues, including digital transformation, business development and strategic project management.

What is the role and mission of a Strategy Consultant?

Analysis and diagnosis

Strategy consultants begin with an in-depth analysis of their clients' business sectors, markets and competitive environment. They use tools such as benchmarking, SWOT analysis and market research to assess the company's current position.

Strategy development

Based on their diagnosis, consultants work with senior management to develop an overall strategy. This may include recommendations for entering new markets, digitalising processes, or improving the supply chain.

Implementation and monitoring

Consultants also help implement recommended strategies. They may be involved in change management, coaching teams, and training on new tools or processes. Monitoring and evaluation of results are essential to adjust strategies and ensure their long-term success.

Transformation project management

They are often involved in large-scale transformation projects, such as company reorganisation, cost reduction or the adoption of new technologies. These projects require close coordination with internal teams and other stakeholders.

Tools and technologies used by the Strategy Consultant

Analysis and diagnosis

Strategy consultants rely on sophisticated data analysis tools such as Tableau and Power BI. These tools enable them to effectively visualise market trends and present complex analyses in a clear and powerful way.

Strategy development

To develop sound strategies, consultants use financial modelling tools such as Advanced Excel or Anaplan. This software is essential for making accurate projections and modelling different strategic scenarios.

Implementation and monitoring

Strategies are implemented and monitored using project management tools such as Microsoft Project or Asana. These platforms are crucial for monitoring the progress of implementations, coordinating teams and ensuring that deadlines are met.

Transformation project management

As part of large-scale transformation projects, consultants use ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle. These tools are essential for optimising client companies' processes and facilitating the transition to new operating models.

What skills do you need to be a good Strategy Consultant?

Professional skills:

• Strategic analysis and ability to understand market dynamics
• Project management and implementation of complex solutions
• Sector expertise and in-depth knowledge of specific industries
• Communication skills to present clear and convincing recommendations
• Adaptability and ability to work in diverse environments

Personal skills:

• Analytical thinking and ability to solve complex problems
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with customers and internal teams
• Leadership and ability to motivate and guide teams during transformation projects
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn continuously
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

What are the current challenges facing strategy consultants?

Adapting to digital transformation

Rapidly evolving technologies require consultants to constantly update their knowledge of innovations such as AI, blockchain and IoT. This ongoing adaptation is essential if we are to understand the disruptive potential of these technologies and effectively advise clients on their digital transformation.

Managing customer expectations

Faced with increasingly demanding customers, consultants need to hone their communication and customer relationship management skills. The ability to define realistic and measurable objectives has become essential to maintaining customer confidence and satisfaction.

Increased competition between consultancies

In an increasingly competitive consulting market, consultants are under pressure to develop niche expertise and constantly innovate their methodologies. This differentiation is crucial if they are to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients.

Balancing multiple projects

Managing several complex projects at the same time requires advanced time management and prioritisation skills. Consultants need to be highly adaptable to navigate effectively between different contexts and customer issues.

Integrating CSR

The growing importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues is forcing consultants to acquire new knowledge in the field of sustainability. They need to be able to rethink traditional business models to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.

How can I become a Strategy Consultant?

Education and training

To become a Strategy Consultant, you should have :

• A 5-year degree from a business school, engineering school or a Grande Ecole specialising in management, strategy or finance.
• Additional training in corporate strategy, project management or digitalization may be beneficial.

EM Normandie offers courses tailored to this profession, in particular the MSc International Marketing and Business Development. This course gives you the skills you need to become a successful Operations Director.

Professional experience

Young graduates often start out as junior consultants in large consultancies or specialist firms. Progression to senior consultant, manager or partner roles is possible with experience and demonstration of leadership and project management skills.

Career development and prospects for a Strategy Consultant

• Junior Consultant (0-3 years)

The first few years are spent learning the basics of the profession. Junior consultants work under supervision on a variety of assignments, developing their analytical skills and their understanding of different business sectors.

• Consultant (3-5 years)

At this stage, the consultant becomes more autonomous. They begin to manage parts of projects independently and develop more pronounced sectoral expertise.

• Senior consultant (5-7 years)

The senior consultant takes charge of managing complete projects. They also begin to take on commercial responsibilities, participating in prospecting and building customer loyalty.

• Manager (7-10 years)

As a manager, the consultant manages teams of more junior consultants. Their role in business development becomes significant, with responsibility for achieving sales targets.

• Senior Manager / Principal (10-15 years)

At this level, the consultant takes responsibility for major customer accounts. They also help to define the firm's strategy, contributing their expertise and vision of the market.

• Partner (15+ years)

At the top of the hierarchy, the partner participates in the management of the firm. They are responsible for the results (P&L) of a practice or a specific area of expertise.

What does a Strategy Consultant earn?

The salary of a Strategy Consultant varies according to the level of experience, the size of the consultancy and the location:

• Junior Consultant: €35,000 - €55,000 per annum
• Senior Consultant: €55,000 - €100,000 per annum
• Manager or Partner: €100,000 and above, with performance and project-related bonuses

What kind of work does a Strategy Consultant do?

A variety of employers:

Strategy Consultants can work for:

• Major consultancies (e.g. McKinsey, BCG, Bain)
• Firms specialising in areas such as digital transformation or CSR
• Large companies with in-house consultancy teams
• Start-ups in a phase of rapid growth
• Public institutions and not-for-profit organisations

Main sectors:

Strategy Consultants operate in a variety of sectors, such as:

• Digital technologies and services
• Financial Services
• Health and life sciences
• Manufacturing industry
• Energy and environment
• Distribution and consumer goods

In a nutshell

Strategy Consulting is at the heart of improving business performance. The role requires a unique combination of analytical, interpersonal and project management skills to help organisations define and achieve their strategic objectives. Strategy Consultants must be able to adapt quickly to changes in the market and the needs of their clients, while being able to propose innovative and effective solutions. This job offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities, in dynamic and often demanding environments.