At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape cost strategies and drive productivity in a dynamic consulting environment.
- Company: Accenture is a global leader in professional services, specialising in strategy and consulting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of vacation, fitness discounts, private medical insurance, and charity leave.
- Why this job: Join a culture of innovation and diversity, impacting industries with cutting-edge solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in consulting or strategic roles, with a focus on cost management and supply chain.
- Other info: Flexible work arrangements and opportunities for career advancement in a global network.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London
Career Level: Consultant to Manager (Career Level 9 to 7)
Industry/Sector: Energy, Consumer Goods & Services, Communications and Media, Insurance, Banking and Capital Markets
Functional Area: Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. We believe in inclusion and diversity and supporting the whole person. Our core values comprise Stewardship, Best People, Client Value Creation, One Global Network, Respect for the Individual and Integrity.
As a team: Accenture Strategy shapes our clients' future, combining deep business insight with the understanding of how technology will impact industry and business models. In joining Accenture Strategy you will drive the CEO agenda on issues related to digital disruption, competitive agility, global operating models, and workforce of the future to identify new sources of value.
Supply Chain and Operations is a major functionally-oriented strategy and consulting practice: we help our clients to identify and quantify the transformational opportunities available in today's dynamic business environment. Our work spans a range of value-focused operations assignments from redefining an operating model, reconfiguring national, regional or global supply chain footprint and capabilities through to global sourcing of core categories and creation of supply chain risk frameworks to ensure that potential risks are transparent and the extended supply chain is resilient.
Accenture SC&O Strategy focuses on the following elements:
- Strategic Cost Reduction & Working Capital
- End-to-End Supply Chain & Operation Transformation
- Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
- Sustainable Value Chain including Responsible Procurement
- Global Operating Models (SC, Procurement & GBS)
- Supply Chain Risk and Resilience
- Operations and process transformations (Prime Value Chains)
In this role you will:
- Shape and design cost and productivity programmes that form an integral part of broader transformation programmes
- Provide insights on cost drivers and recommend strategies to enhance financial sustainability
- Conduct detailed spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities across business functions
- Develop financial models to assess cost structures, budget variances, and savings potential - leveraging industry sources and benchmarks where necessary
- Optimise supplier contracts and procurement strategies to secure cost-effective agreements
- Conduct vendor benchmarking and identify potential future negotiations to drive savings
- Identify opportunities for AI, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and digital transformation to optimise costs
- Work cross-functionally with finance, operations, and procurement teams to implement cost strategies
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align cost-saving initiatives with business goals
- Support implementation of best practices to manage indirect / direct spend more effectively incl. governance and control & monitoring
- Link and understand how Cost Reduction and Sustainability priorities are inherently linked and articulate this to clients
We are looking for experience in the following:
- Experience at a top tier or boutique consulting firm or at a leading company with a combination of technical / operational and management / business development / strategy roles and a strong focus on cost management
- Good understanding of Supply Chain and Operations and one or more of the following industries; Energy (Oil & Gas, Mining), Consumer Goods & Services, Financial Services (Banking and Capital Markets), Life Sciences
- Experience in strategic cost reduction and cost takeout initiatives, including through procurement/sourcing spend reduction
- Competence in driving/applying productivity and efficiency levers
- Proficiency in financial modeling, data analytics, and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI preferred but not required)
- Experience with cost frameworks (e.g. ZBB, should-cost, value engineering) is a plus
- Experience of research, quantitative analysis and structured problem solving
- Experience of building relationships at all levels in an organisation
- Experience working in diverse teams in complex strategy/consulting engagements, delivering high-quality output in short timeframes
- An interest in commercial capability, selling and managing multiple projects
Set yourself apart:
- Masters in Business Administration or Supply Chain from a top-tier school
- Experience in top leading consulting firm or working with strategic leadership within client industry
- Accounting/Management Accounting certification or demonstrated strong experience working with financial statements and cost management to allow precise measurement of the financial impact of your work
- Ability to understand complex issues, quickly absorb information and work creatively
- Experience in how technology and digital can contribute to solving business problems
- Experience in building and managing diverse teams in complex strategy/consulting engagements, delivering high-quality output in short timeframes
- Experience of developing & mentoring junior practitioners
- Experience of leading meetings and presentations
What's in it for you: At Accenture in addition to a competitive basic salary, you will also have an extensive benefits package which includes 30 days of vacation per year, access to app based fitness classes and discounts on a range of gyms, private medical insurance and three days leave per year for charitable work of your choice!
Flexibility and mobility are required to deliver this role to deliver the first-class services we are known for.
About Accenture: Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialised skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services - all powered by the world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centres. Our 738,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities.
Accenture is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of society and does not discriminate on grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by applicable law.
Strategy Consultant / Manager SCO - Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction employer: Accenture
Contact Detail:
Accenture Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Consultant / Manager SCO - Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in strategic sourcing and cost reduction. Understanding current market dynamics and technological advancements, such as AI and RPA, will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the consulting industry, especially those who work in supply chain and operations. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to build connections and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. Being able to articulate your experience with financial modelling and data analytics will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Accenture's core values and recent projects related to sustainability and cost management. Tailoring your discussions to align with their mission and demonstrating your understanding of their approach can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Consultant / Manager SCO - Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic sourcing, cost reduction, and supply chain management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to the job description. Emphasise your understanding of the energy, consumer goods, or financial services sectors, and how you can contribute to Accenture's goals.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, mention any experience with financial modelling, data analytics, or reporting tools. Highlight specific projects where you used these skills to drive cost-saving initiatives.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: If you have experience leading teams or mentoring junior practitioners, make sure to include this in your application. Accenture values leadership and collaboration, so showcase your ability to work effectively in diverse teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accenture
✨Understand the Role and Industry
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Strategy Consultant/Manager in Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction. Familiarise yourself with the energy, consumer goods, and financial services sectors, as well as current trends and challenges they face.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial modelling, data analytics, and reporting tools. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully identified cost-saving opportunities or optimised procurement strategies, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Accenture values teamwork across various functions. Share experiences where you've worked with finance, operations, or procurement teams to implement cost strategies. Emphasise your ability to build relationships at all levels within an organisation.
✨Link Cost Reduction to Sustainability
Given the emphasis on sustainability in the job description, be ready to articulate how cost reduction initiatives can align with sustainable practices. Prepare examples that demonstrate your understanding of this connection and how it can benefit clients.