Managing Consultant - Retail/FMCG

ManagingConsultant

Location: Hybrid,UKwithanAldwychOffice

Salary: £70,000-100,000 dependingonlevelandexperience, plusbonusschemes.

AboutAria

AriaIntelligentSolutionspartnerswiththeworld’sleadingretailersandFMCGbrandstodelivermeasurablecommercialimpact.WecombinedeepindustryexpertisewithadvancedAIandanalyticstohelpclientstransformhowtheyplan,trade,andgrow.

Our Consulting practice leads transformation across merchandising, demand forecasting, and supply chain, by shaping strategy, operating models, and AI-driven solutions that help FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 businesses grow.

AbouttheRole

AsaManagingConsultant,youwillleadcomplexclientengagementsandsetthestrategicdirectionfordelivery.Youwilloperateasaseniortrustedadvisor,shapingtransformationroadmaps,influencingexecutivestakeholders,andensuringthatAria’sAIandconsultingcapabilitiesaretranslatedintomeasurablebusinessvalue.

Youwillbeaccountablefordeliveryquality,teamleadership,andcommercialperformanceacrossyourportfolio,whileactivelycontributingtoaccountgrowthandnewopportunities.

KeyResponsibilities

StrategicLeadership&ProblemSolving

• Lead high-complexity programmes and define strategic frameworks for our retail and FMCG clients, using your experience in consulting and industry.
• Integrate cross-functional commercial, operational, and customer insight to shape major business decisions.
• Design operating models and transformation roadmaps that embed AI and automation to deliver business value.
• Steer innovation and process excellence across engagements, setting standards for analytical depth and clarity.

ClientLeadership&Influence

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior and executive stakeholders, constructively challenging and shaping strategic direction.
• Lead multi-stakeholder environments with authority, aligning competing priorities and driving sustainable change.
• Create and deliver executive-level presentations and business cases that influence beyond the immediate programme scope.
• Inspire innovative thinking across client teams through persuasive narratives and structured insight.

AI&Technology-EnabledTransformation

• Identify,prioritise,andshapeAIanddatausecasesalignedtocommercialoutcomes.
• Translate business needs into structured requirements and collaborate closely with product and data science teams.
• Lead the deployment of AI-enabled solutions, ensuring adoption, scalability, and measurable performance improvement.
• Definehowtechnology,automation,andAIshouldbeleveragedstrategicallyacrossclientenvironments.

CommercialOwnership&Growth

• Leaddevelopmentofstrategicaccounts,expandingscopeanddeepeninglong-termpartnerships.
• Shapeandcloseproposals,contributingdirectlytorevenuegrowthandmarginperformance.
• ExpandAria’sbrandpresencethroughindustryvisibility,partnerships,andprofessionalnetworks.
• ContributetoAria’sserviceevolutionandthoughtleadership.

TeamLeadership&CapabilityBuilding

• Line manage and develop Senior Consultants and Consultants, supporting their growth in strategic thinking, client leadership, and programme delivery.
• Provide clear direction and constructive challenge to help teams produce high-quality, impactful work.
• Foster a high-performing, values-led environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute actively to Aria’s Consulting leadership, shaping internal initiatives and strengthening our consulting capability.

Skills&Experience

Experience

• 8+yearsinretailorFMCGconsulting,oracombinationofconsultingandindustryleadership.
• Demonstratedleadershipofcomplex,multi-workstreamtransformationprogrammes.
• Provensuccessinfluencingseniorandexecutive-levelstakeholders.
• ExperienceshapinganddeployingAIortechnology-enabledtransformationinitiatives.

Commercial&StrategicCapability

• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of expanding accounts or securing new opportunities.
• Recognised subject matter expertise in at least one domain (e.g. Merchandising, Demand Planning, Retail Strategy, Change, AI Enablement) with knowledge of market best practice.

Technology&Delivery

• Strongunderstandingofretailsystemslandscapeandlatestmarkettrends.
• Experience leading business transformation programmes with pragmatic risk management and/or large-scale technical deliveries.

Leadership&Influence

• Exceptionalcommunicationskillswithpresenceatexecutivelevel.
• High emotional intelligence, and demonstrated ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Strongexternalnetworkandvisibleindustryengagement.

Benefits&Perks

Comprehensiveprivatemedicalcoverage: AccessprivatemedicalwithVitalityhealthcaretokeepyouandyourfamilythriving.

ActiveRewards: Earn points with Vitality to gain access to dozens of amazing benefits including cinema tickets, free coffees, gym discounts and more!

25daysannualleave: Recharge with 25 days of vacation each year, plus additional loyalty days earned over time.

Personalcharityday: Take an extra paid day off each year to support acause close to your heart, reflecting Aria’s dedication to making a difference We also match donations!

ChampionHealthWellbeingApp: Stay on top of your wellness withunlimited access to the Champion Health app, offering personalised toolsforphysicalandmentalwellbeing.

Professionalandwellnessseminars: Grow and thrive with expert-led seminars, designed to inspire and support your professional andpersonaldevelopment.

Wellbeingdays: Step back when life feels overwhelming with paid WellbeingDays: Dedicated time to reset and recharge during those moments when itallfeelsliketoomuch.

WhyAria

AtAria,ManagingConsultantsworkcloselywithclientsandourAIspecialiststoshapepractical,high-impactsolutions.Youwillplayacentralroleinguidingcomplexengagements,developingpeople,andhelpingevolvehowwedeliverconsultingandAItogether.

This role offers the opportunity to shape client outcomes, develop people, and contribute to the continued evolution of our consulting capability.

At Aria, we’re not just building a team but fostering a community that values health, purpose, and balance. Join us and experience the difference.

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