At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the annual planning cycle for a major retail client, shaping their 2027 strategy.
- Company: Join a dynamic consultancy firm with a focus on innovative retail solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and valuable industry experience.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and develop executive-level materials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the retail sector while enhancing your strategic skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy consulting or corporate planning, especially in retail.
A client in the consultancy sector is seeking an Annual Business Planning Consultant to join the team for a three month engagement for their client in the UK retail sector. You will provide senior level capacity across the annual planning cycle, working at the intersection of strategy, finance and operations. Reporting into the client’s central planning lead, the objective of the role is to shape a coherent, ambitious and execution ready 2027 plan, aligning cross functional inputs to top down targets at pace.
Responsibilities
- Build and run the end to end annual planning workplan, including milestones, dependencies and sign off points
- Establish and manage a light touch governance, decision cadence and senior stakeholder forums
- Coordinate and synthesise cross functional inputs into a single, coherent plan and narrative
- Develop executive level materials and facilitate workshops to drive prioritisation and timely decisions
Requirements
- Background in strategy consulting or equivalent in-house strategy or corporate planning roles
- Proven delivery of annual or operating plans in complex, fast paced environments
- Experience in retail or consumer sectors within large, matrix organisations
- Strong senior stakeholder management, commercial acumen and financial literacy
Details
- Start date: June 2026
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: Hybrid, London
- Day rate: Competitive
Annual Business Planning Consultant- Retail in City of London employer: Freshminds
As a leading consultancy in the retail sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a focus on professional development and collaboration, we offer unique opportunities for growth while working on impactful projects that shape the future of retail. Our hybrid working model in London ensures flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Annual Business Planning Consultant- Retail in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and consultancy sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects, especially in the retail space. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, so practice articulating your past successes in strategy and planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, focus on specific achievements in annual planning or stakeholder management. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re here to help you land that Annual Business Planning Consultant role, so take advantage of our resources and support.
We think you need these skills to ace Annual Business Planning Consultant- Retail in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Annual Business Planning Consultant. Highlight your experience in strategy consulting and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to manage complex planning cycles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience in retail and how you've successfully delivered annual plans in fast-paced environments.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience with senior stakeholders. We want to see examples of how you've navigated complex decision-making processes and facilitated workshops to drive prioritisation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshminds
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Annual Business Planning Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial literacy. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how they impact strategic planning in the retail sector. This will show that you understand the financial landscape and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
You’ll be synthesising cross-functional inputs into a coherent plan, so practice articulating complex ideas clearly. Prepare examples of how you've previously developed executive-level materials or facilitated workshops. This will help you showcase your ability to drive prioritisation and decision-making.
✨Stakeholder Management is Key
Given the importance of senior stakeholder forums in this role, think about your past experiences managing stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex relationships and ensured alignment across different teams. This will highlight your commercial acumen and interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready for Rapid Decision-Making
The role requires working at pace, so prepare to discuss how you've successfully delivered plans in fast-paced environments. Think of instances where you had to make quick decisions and how you managed dependencies and milestones effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
