At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the annual planning cycle for a major retail client, shaping their 2027 strategy.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy firm with a focus on retail and consumer sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and opportunity to influence high-level decisions.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team for a three-month engagement with potential for future opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by aligning strategy, finance, and operations in a fast-paced environment.
- 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 Slough employer: Freshminds
As an Annual Business Planning Consultant with our client in the UK retail sector, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that values strategic thinking and innovation. The company fosters a culture of growth, offering opportunities for professional development while working alongside experienced professionals in a hybrid setting in London. With a focus on impactful projects and a commitment to excellence, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to shaping ambitious business plans for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Annual Business Planning Consultant- Retail in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and consultancy sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to strategy and planning. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience in managing complex projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past successes in annual planning and stakeholder management. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Annual Business Planning Consultant- Retail in Slough
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 retail or consumer sector work. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 specific examples of how you've successfully managed annual planning cycles or worked with senior stakeholders. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This will help us see the value you can bring to our client's ambitious 2027 plan.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 decisions in retail. This will show that you understand the financial landscape and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
When developing executive-level materials, it's crucial to present information clearly and compellingly. Practice summarising complex data into a coherent narrative that aligns with the client's goals. This skill will help you facilitate workshops and drive prioritisation effectively.
✨Stakeholder Management is Key
Given the role's emphasis on senior stakeholder management, prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and manage expectations, as this will be vital for coordinating cross-functional inputs.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
The retail sector is fast-paced and ever-changing. Show your potential employer that you're flexible and can pivot strategies quickly when needed. Prepare to discuss instances where you've adapted plans on the fly and how that led to successful outcomes.
