Assistant Director - Procurement - Operational Strategy - Strategy and Execution - EY-Parthenon in London

We develop strategies and deliver value for clients, that optimise operations and enhance overall business value, leveraging deep sector and functional expertise, including:

• Cost transformation, procurement strategies & optimisation
• Transaction value creation, e.g. carve-outs and integrations
• Private Equity procurement value creation pre and post deal
• Contract separation

Our teams work closely with executive leadership across industries to identify opportunities for improvement (including quick wins), implement best practices, and ensure sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant Director you’ll advise clients across a variety of sectors, supporting key decision makers (e.g. Board, C‑suite, lenders, investors) in developing and implementing strategic transformations. This role involves hands‑on delivery in fast‑moving, high‑pressure situations, often working with incomplete information and tight stakeholder timelines. You will lead project delivery teams and work with senior client stakeholders within tight timeframes for some of EY’s most demanding clients. You will also support new business development efforts, pitch preparation, and contribute to thought leadership and practice growth.

Skills & Attributes for Success

• Project Delivery – Ability to lead project delivery teams (both in standalone/corporate or deal environments), managing engagement, project commercials and risk, with ownership of cost transformation and/or operational restructuring projects.
• Financial Analysis – Excellent financial analysis skills with the ability to oversee/review work of others, identify key insights, and link operational drivers to P&L, cash and balance‑sheet impacts.
• Business and Commercially Driven – Track record working in a fast‑paced environment and leveraging strong business acumen to add value.
• Value Creation – Ability to identify strategic priorities and pragmatically develop solutions or actions.
• Report Writing – Ability to produce clear, concise, client‑ready reports that effectively communicate complex findings.
• Business Development – Credibility to support business origination, including pitches and presentations.
• Learning – Strong desire to develop technical and personal skills through structured learning, coaching and client experiences.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication – Ability to engage stakeholders, tailor communication, influence, align and drive outcomes.
• Role Model – Enthusiasm and ability to coach junior team members.

Qualifications & Experience

Professional services / strategy consulting experience, either gained wholly within consulting or through a combination of consulting and industry roles. Proven track record in delivering cross‑sector spend initiatives such as:

• Opportunity assessments
• Cost reduction delivery programmes
• Procurement operating model transformation

Strong analytical skills linking operational analysis to financial statements.

Ideal Experience

Experience across multiple sectors, including Consumer & Retail, Industrials, Energy, Life Sciences and TMT. Expertise within multiple categories of spend, across Indirects and Directs. Experience supporting contract separation exercises. Experience building relationships with senior clients and providing advice. Experience supporting sales and business development in large‑scale consulting environments. Value creation in transactions (carve‑outs, separations, integrations). Track record delivering cost transformation with quantified impact. Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience in producing high‑calibre reports, papers, presentations, and thought leadership.

Opportunity at EY

At EY-Parthenon (EY‑P), our unique combination of transformative strategy, transactions and corporate finance delivers real‑world value. We partner with CEOs, boards, private equity and governments, and our Operational Strategy practice is dedicated to pragmatic, results‑oriented solutions that drive efficiency and performance improvement.

We will fuel your ambition and potential with future‑focused skills development that equips you with state‑of‑the‑art methodologies and technology‑enabled solutions. With more than 15,000 people in 150 countries, you will join an inclusive and empowering culture that values your uniqueness, prioritises your wellbeing, and immerses you in diverse thinking and cross‑cultural experiences.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today. To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any disability‑related adjustments or accommodations you may need.