At a Glance
- Tasks: Research, draft client materials, support business development, and coordinate high-profile projects.
- Company: Bradshaw Advisory, a dynamic consultancy at the intersection of business and government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, mentoring from the founder, and a vibrant co-working space.
- Other info: A fantastic opportunity for career growth in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Why this job: Gain unique insights into consultancy and work closely with senior leaders in a growing firm.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills, curiosity about politics and business, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 38000 £ per year.
Bradshaw Advisory is a boutique policy, public affairs, economics and strategic communications consultancy. Our work sits where business meets government. We help clients help government, from major infrastructure and the built environment to trade and corporate reputation. We're small, senior and ambitious, and the projects we take on reach decision-makers at the very top of industry and politics.
We're looking for a Founder's Associate to work directly alongside our CEO. This is a rare front-row seat: the kind of role where you'll see the ups and downs of growing a business, how a consultancy actually wins and delivers work, sit in rooms most people your stage of career don't get near, and take on real responsibilities early on.
What you’ll do
- Research and brief - pulling together sharp, well-sourced notes on policy, sectors, companies and people ahead of meetings and pitches.
- Draft and shape - helping write client memos, policy papers, proposals, decks and correspondence that go out under the firm's name.
- Support business development - tracking prospects, preparing and undertaking outreach, and helping move opportunities from first conversation to signed engagement.
- Help run the moving parts - coordinating projects, events and high‑profile initiatives, keeping trackers and timelines.
- Be in the room - joining meetings, taking the actions away, and following them through.
- Deliver - deliver projects and tasks for clients.
You’ll be the CEO's 'righthand person' and a key part of the team. The remit will grow and change.
Who we’re looking for
This role will suit either an ambitious recent graduate with some work experience or someone with a year or two of experience in a management consultancy who's ready for more. What matters most isn't a particular CV, it's that you:
- Write clearly and quickly, and care about getting things right.
- Are curious about politics, business and how decisions get made.
- Stay organised and unflappable when several things are live at once.
- Take ownership - you chase up loose ends rather than waiting to be asked.
- Are good with people, discreet with sensitive material, and comfortable around senior figures.
- Want to help a business grow and are prepared for the ups and downs of being in a small firm.
A background or strong interest in public affairs, economics, infrastructure, communications or policy is a plus, but we care more about aptitude and attitude than a specific degree.
What’s on offer
- £30,000–£38,000, depending on experience for four days a week (£37.5-47.5k FTE salary).
- A genuine seat at the table in a growing (we have grown every year to date), well‑regarded firm.
- Exposure to senior clients and high-profile work you simply wouldn't get most places.
- Mentoring directly from the founder, and a clear path to grow.
- A nice co‑working space at Beehive Lofts in Ancoats.
- Private healthcare and employee assistance programme.
Founder's Associate/Graduate Assistant in Manchester employer: Bradshaw Advisory
Bradshaw Advisory offers an exceptional opportunity for growth and development as a Founder's Associate, providing a unique front-row seat to the intersection of business and government. With a focus on mentorship from the CEO, exposure to high-profile clients, and a collaborative work culture in the vibrant Beehive Lofts of Ancoats, employees can expect meaningful responsibilities and a supportive environment that fosters professional advancement. The firm’s commitment to employee well-being is reflected in its private healthcare and assistance programmes, making it an attractive employer for ambitious individuals seeking to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder's Associate/Graduate Assistant in Manchester
✨Tap Into University Networks
If you're hitting the entry-level consulting scene, don’t underestimate your university’s career services. They often host employer networking events and workshops tailored for consulting roles. Attend these events to get direct insights and possibly nab a spot at firms like Bradshaw Advisory!
✨Join Consulting Competitions
Get involved in case competitions! These are gold mines for making connections and showcasing your skills in a practical setting. Plus, many firms scout talent from these events, so your chance of getting noticed by Bradshaw Advisory increases dramatically!
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Build a presence on platforms like LinkedIn by sharing insights on industry trends or analyses of recent business cases. It’s a great way to catch the eye of recruiters from places like Bradshaw Advisory! Don't forget to engage with posts from consulting professionals to boost your visibility.
✨Direct Application Power
Don’t just rely on job boards! Go straight to the source and apply through Bradshaw Advisory’s website. Tailoring your application to reflect the key skills they’re after not only shows your enthusiasm but also gets you in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder's Associate/Graduate Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:In the world of management consulting, showcasing your analytical skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or coursework where you've tackled complex problems. Bullet points that outline your approach and the impact of your solutions can really make you stand out!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Consulting:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about management consulting specifically. Discuss any relevant experiences, internships, or academic projects that have prepared you for this role. Show us how your skills align with the challenges faced in this field!
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience:Consulting often involves collaboration, so don't forget to include examples of successful teamwork in your application. Whether it's a group project or an extracurricular activity, detail the role you played and any results achieved. This will show us that you're ready to hit the ground running in a team environment!
Include Relevant Extracurriculars and Courses:In the entry-level consulting space, we're looking for candidates who have gone above and beyond. List any relevant courses, workshops, or activities that have given you insights into consulting. Whether it's a leadership position in a student organisation or a specific management course, these can give us a fuller picture of your potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bradshaw Advisory
✨Master Your Case Studies
As a budding management consultant, you’ll likely face case study interviews. We should practice structuring our approach to these problems—think about frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces. Dive into sample case studies and even find a study buddy to bounce ideas around and enhance our problem-solving skills!
✨Get Comfortable with Numerical Sense
In management consulting, strong analytical skills are crucial, especially when it comes to interpreting data. Brush up on your mental math and practice interpreting graphs and charts quickly. Being able to discuss metrics and KPIs on the fly will show you’re ready for the analytical demands of the role.
✨Know Your 'Why'
An entry-level position is all about passion and potential. Be ready to explain why you're interested in management consulting and how it aligns with your career goals. We should think about our past experiences and how they have sparked our interest in solving business problems.
✨Practice Making Your Case
The key to nailing interviews in management consulting is our communication skills. Be ready to present clear, structured arguments without getting too bogged down in details. We can prep by practicing mock interviews, responding to typical questions, and formulating concise yet impactful answers.
