Consultant - Supply Chain and Performance Excellence

Successfully delivering operational performance in many environments, Squarcle is a boutique supply chain and operations consultancy. We exist to help our clients set and realise their performance ambition through the design and execution of supply chains and operations. Our work includes designing and implementing supply chain strategies and operating models, network design, cost-to-serve and S&OP (Sales and operations planning). As a company we are digitally native and bring this experience to our work

Squarcle is a people orientated organisation. We pride ourselves on a people first culture and collaborative atmosphere where success and learnings are shared.

The supply chain and performance excellence department provide expert advice to clients that operate within a fast-moving global environment. The team is made up of subject matter experts that work to deliver the client mandate.

Squarcle is committed to equality and diversity and our aim is to build a diverse, dedicated, and high-performing team of subject matter experts to support our clients in achieving supply chain and operational excellence.

Management consulting is problem-solving. Organisations today face many problems which affect their ability to perform. With the ever-changing landscape and the emergence of innovative technologies, organisations need to evolve faster than ever. They need help to identify, design and implement the changes vital to their economic health. Our consultants supply their expertise to help our clients attain their performance ambition through the proposed changes.

Reporting to a manager and working directly with the client the consultant is responsible for the provision of independent expert advice to help identify and solve challenges, increase value, and maximise business efficiency and profitability. Using established processes whilst working with the client’s senior leadership and support staff the consultant will assist in the creation of strategies, processes optimisation and identifying solutions to meet client needs.

Squarcle consultants work across both project delivery and business development:

Delivery: Squarcle management consultants work to supply solutions to the client’s changing business needs. The scope of engagements is highly variable and can include core strategy development, large scale implementation, process optimisation, change management, and innovative technology introduction.

Business development: Squarcle places an emphasis on leading sector thinking in the development of latest ideas. This can include producing white papers and internal research on relevant changes occurring in the sector and the impact of the general economy.

Consultants will have the opportunity to work across four broad subject areas:

Strategy: Strategy consultants provide clients with guidance in various spheres of business, including corporate strategy, business transformation, and digital and innovation capabilities

Operations: Operations consultants provide clients with guidance about business process optimizations to improve operational business capabilities and support ongoing client delivery.

Information Technology: Information technology consultants supply and implement technological solutions for the client.

Human Capital: Human capital consultants provide clients with solutions with change management and aide with any organisational changes that may affect the employees.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Squarcle Management Responsibilities

• Encourage effective working in diverse teams within an inclusive team culture where people are recognised for their contribution.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior clients, acting as a trusted advisor and aiming to ensure buy-in for case for change and delivery approach.
• Understand client business objectives, challenges, and industry trends.
• Ensure high client satisfaction through effective communication and timely delivery of project milestones and deliverables.

Engagement Management and Execution

• Support the Engagement Manager across consulting engagements life-cycle, (including planning, budgeting, mobilisation, deliverable design, content development, risk management/escalation) ensuring successful project delivery.
• Draw on experience to contribute project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with the client and consulting team.
• Manage individual workstreams and milestones to ensure timelines are adhered to and outputs are delivered within budget constraints.
• Perform analysis to identify and develop the proposed solution via:

- Quantitative research methodologies include data mining, creating financial models, and performing valuation analysis

- Qualitative research methodologies include performing market research and collecting business intelligence

• Review the findings from the analysis and present solutions to the client.
• Development of artefacts that support the presentation of solutions and plans using standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Deliver tasks to the quality standards and processes of the client and Squarcle, ensuring that work is consistent and in accordance with the Squarcle quality assurance process.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue follow on work and new business opportunities with existing and potential clients.
• Support to the sales and bid processes where assigned by the Executive Director of Growth and Head of Consulting.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Provide guidance of junior consultants, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Mentor and develop junior consultants, assisting in their professional growth.
• Foster knowledge sharing and best practices within the consulting team.

Thought Leadership and Industry Expertise

• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to the consulting domain.
• Participate in professional development activities, such as attending seminars or pursuing relevant certifications.

Secondary Roles and Responsibilities

• Production of internal reporting
• Develop and refine Squarcle methods
• Support to wider team activities e.g., knowledge sessions, recruitment etc

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Essential)

• Bachelor’s degree (2:1) or higher in a related subject or equivalent experience in a related role
• Experience of working in Supply Chain Sales and Operations
• Well-developed core consulting skills e.g. research, analysis, presentation, and attention to detail
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Aptitude to grasp new concepts and effectively produce results
• Exceptional problem-solving skills – an analytical, innovative, and creative mindset
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be self-directed and be an independent contributor to the team
• Intellectual curiosity
• Exceptional client service
• Sound work ethic
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite; specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• A worthy team player dedicated to contributing toward the outcome desired by the team
• Successful candidates must be prepared to apply for, and pass security clearance, before they are appointed

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Desirable)

• Business Improvement Qualification (Lean, Kanban, Six Sigma etc)
• S&OP training or supply chain qualification (APICS, CPIM, CIPs or CILT)
• Experience of business or Defence
• Knowledge of Microsoft Power BI and Visio
• Ability to lead teams
• Ability to structure and manage intensive workloads
• High degree of emotional intelligence to effectively deal with increasingly diverse clients and teams
• Confidence and maturity to work with senior executives