At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive investment strategies and support SMEs in achieving sustainable growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking consultancy with a focus on innovation and impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day fortnight, competitive pension, and health plans.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by unlocking private capital for high-potential SMEs.
- Qualifications: Experience in investment funds and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51395 - 62013 £ per year.
Contract type/Duration: Permanent
Working hours: Full time (9-day Fortnight companywide)
Band: 3.1
Salary: £51,395 - £62,013 (depending on office location and proven ability)
Reports to: Head of Built Enterprise, Insight and Investment
Location: Milton Keynes or London (minimum of two days a week in the office. You can do more than two days if preferable)
Internal Job Code: RC344
Closing date: 10am on the 6th of May 2026
The Role
We are seeking an entrepreneurial and ambitious Senior Consultant to join the Enterprise Insight and Investment team. The team's goal is to increase the number of investable SMEs, unlock private investment, and validate new propositions that enable sustainable commercial growth across Transport and the Build Environment in the UK. This role focuses on unlocking private capital into high-potential SMEs by combining investment expertise, commercial and strategic advisory, and evidence-led proposition development.
Key Activities
- Investment and Proposition Development: Contribute to the design, validation and delivery of investment propositions, including funds and other mechanisms to unlock private capital. Build evidence-based business cases for new propositions, informed by market insight and engagement with investors and SMEs. Develop and maintain relationships with investors, supporting opportunity development and credibility with the investment community.
- SME Commercial Advisory and Growth Support: Deliver targeted commercial support to SMEs through structured analysis, workshops and 1:1 engagement to support growth and scaling. Support SMEs to refine value propositions, business models and go-to-market strategies.
- Investment Readiness and Market Insights: Assess SME investment readiness and provide practical coaching to address gaps. Conduct market and industry analysis, including market sizing, competitive assessment and strategic insight, to inform both SME support and investment decisions. Where appropriate, connect investment-ready SMEs with aligned investors.
Candidate Profile
You will bring experience from, or working closely with, an investment fund or investor, with a strong understanding of SME funding mechanisms (e.g. equity, debt), private capital markets (Angel, VC, PE), fund structures and valuation methodologies. You are confident engaging both investors and SME leadership teams, with a track record of building trusted relationships and networks. You combine strong analytical capability with commercial judgement, using market insight and business modelling to support investment decisions and SME growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet revenue and utilisation targets, identifying and converting opportunities into follow-on work.
- Contribute to bids and proposals, supporting sell-ons and second-phase wins.
- Scope, plan and lead defined workstreams, including budgeting, resourcing, delivery planning and commercial control.
- Design and oversee high-quality deliverables, ensuring excellence in delivery across core and virtual teams.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date CRM records for stakeholders, accounts and opportunities.
- Build and maintain senior client confidence in CPC, holding face-off accountability with senior stakeholders.
- Develop strong client relationships that enhance CPC’s credibility and long-term impact.
- Contribute specialist expertise, insight and thought leadership into delivery and proposal development.
- Actively participate in the professional community, supporting learning, knowledge-sharing and capability development.
- Maintain own professional development and uphold CPC values, embedding equity, inclusivity and sustainability in all activities.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Innovative, evidence-led problem solving - identifying and applying new approaches to complex commercial, market and investment challenges.
- Stakeholder engagement and influence - collaborate and communicate effectively across investors, SMEs and internal teams, influencing outcomes with credibility.
- Commercial and customer focus - apply a strong understanding of SME and investor needs to shape advice, propositions and delivery.
- Planning, prioritisation and adaptability - plan and deliver multiple workstreams effectively, responding positively to change.
- Clear and confident communications - be able to use appropriate channels to convey complex insight clearly and persuasively.
- Inclusive and sustainable delivery - embed equity, inclusivity and sustainability considerations into planning, decision-making and delivery.
Benefits
- 9-day fortnight for everyone.
- 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off.
- Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
- Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
- Cycle to Work Scheme encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
- Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being.
- Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
- Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.
- Mortgage Advice benefit, delivered in partnership with Charles Cameron & Associates – provides employees with free, expert mortgage advice and end-to-end mortgage support from the application process through to completion.
Senior Consultant (Investment Lead) employer: Connected Places Catapult
As a Senior Consultant at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a unique 9-day fortnight schedule, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our team members to balance their personal and professional lives while making a meaningful impact on SMEs across the UK. Our Milton Keynes or London locations offer vibrant environments with ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, ensuring you are well-supported in your role as you drive investment and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant (Investment Lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the investment and SME space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Senior Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous successes in investment and advisory roles. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share these stories to demonstrate how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with SME funding mechanisms and your approach to building relationships with investors. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for your application and interview process. Plus, applying directly gives you a better shot at standing out. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant (Investment Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Consultant role. Highlight your experience with investment funds and SME funding mechanisms, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can demonstrate strong analytical capabilities. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate how you've used market insights and business modelling to support investment decisions.
Engage with Our Values:At StudySmarter, we value equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by sharing experiences where you've embedded them into your work or projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Places Catapult
✨Know Your Investment Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SME funding mechanisms and private capital markets. Be ready to discuss your experience with equity, debt, and how these can be leveraged for growth. This will show that you understand the core of what the role is about.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, try to connect with current employees or stakeholders in the investment community before your interview. This can give you insights into the company culture and expectations, plus it shows your proactive approach to networking.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully contributed to investment propositions or supported SMEs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used market insights and business modelling in past roles. Bring examples of how your analytical capabilities have led to successful investment decisions or SME growth, as this aligns perfectly with the key responsibilities of the role.
