At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive Operational Excellence and Process Improvement in Financial Services.
- Company: Dynamic consulting firm focused on transforming business performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with exciting career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Financial Services sector with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Operational Excellence and consulting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Job Description
We are seeking an accomplished Consulting professional who can help develop, lead and drive our Operational Excellence and Process Improvement capabilities in the Financial Services sector.
To play a key role in developing our Process Improvement and Operational Excellence services and offerings that will appeal to FS organisations looking to transform/improve their business performance.
We're keen to hear from consulting experts in these fields and can bring a deep knowledge of where operational excellence/process improvement demand may lie in the FS sector, by understanding current trends/triggers for change in the sector.
- Key objectives
- Key to building a compelling GTM strategy for Operational Excellence and Improvement in FS, leveraging deep expertise in methodologies that fit this practice (Process Improvement, Process Design & Optimisation, Operational Excellence, Operation Transformation, Process Digitisation, Service Optimisation etc)
- Ensure there is sufficient activity to produce a steady ongoing pipeline of opportunities for Operational Excellence/Improvement services in FS, to meet revenue and sales targets.
- Create FS-related IP for Operational Excellence and Improvement transformation
- Contribute to the development of OPI proposals, specific to individual client needs/situations and be instrumental in closing and winning deals.
- Develop, lead and oversee OPI implementation programmes, ensuring excellence in delivery, maximise client outcomes and achieve high satisfaction ratings; with a record for delivering follow‑on projects, extensions and referrals
Must have a strong background in Operations Excellence (process Optimization, Operational transformation etc), within the Financial Services sector, ideally gained from a leadership role within a consulting business.
Likely to be an expert in operational excellence, with an operations management, change management or technology delivery background and skilled in:
- Process Improvement (Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt))
- Operational Optimisation (Lean/Kaizen)
- Process redesign/governance and digitisation (Celonis, AI)
- Project & Programme Delivery (PMP, Prince2, Agile)
- Automation (AI, RPA)
- Operational Excellence Transformation (Customer Journey, Operational Performance)
Qualifications
Must have an understanding of consulting, how it is structured, the frameworks, financial principals etc.
A network of contacts that will help navigate the FS industry to achieve penetration within new buying centres in existing clients and open up new business opportunities.
A deep understanding of the Operational Excellence and Process Improvement topics and trends that affect the FS industry, these could include:
• Process Automation & Digitisation, for example
- RPA for KYC, reconciliations, reporting
- AI/ML Automation (eg for fraud detection, credit etc)
- Straight through processing (STP) (payments. Trading, onboarding)
• Customer Journey & Experience redesign. Eg
- Omni-channel
- Mobile First
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Regulatory reporting automation
- AML/KYC optimisation
- Real‑time transaction monitoring
- Operational Risk Reduction (for Cyber, Fraud, process failure etc), eg:
- Standardised procedures and SLAs
- Monitoring operational KPIs/KRIs
- Data Quality, Governance & Analytics
- Data quality frameworks
- Master data management
- Predictive analytics in credit, risk etc
- Cloud data platforms
- Cost Optimisation & Operational Efficiency
- Lean process redesign
- Shared service models
- Vendor optimisation
- Process standardisation
- Technology Modernisation
- Core banking modernisation
- API orchestration layer implementation
- Cloud migration
- Operational Resilience & Business Continuity
- Scenario planning
- Disaster recovery testing
- Resilient architecture
- Third‑party risk management
- Workforce & Culture Transformation
- Upskilling in digital tools & data
- Clear ownership models (RACI)
- Performance measurement linked to Op Ex metrics
- Agile ways of working
An ability to build compelling OPI offerings/services/IP that will appeal to the Financial Services sector (based on some of the above).
An ability to contribute to the development of robust business development plans and be part of the execution to meet revenue and sales targets for the OPI business.
A strong understanding of end‑to‑end transformation programmes and a track record of successfully managing delivery engagements, ideally with experience of:
- Scoping/pricing/planning commercially sound programmes
- Steering, managing and governance of programmes/teams
- High-quality delivery excellence
- Consistent in achieving follow‑on business and extensions
Great engagement leadership skills; owning outcomes, motivating teams, coaching/mentoring etc.
- #LI-JK1
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement employer: PA Consulting
At PA Consulting, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Data Architect, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a hybrid working environment, allowing for flexibility while engaging with clients and colleagues. We are committed to your professional growth, offering continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge AI-driven data solutions that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement at PA Consulting!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like PA Consulting or be willing to refer you for that Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from PA Consulting who’s on the lookout for their next Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement role at PA Consulting!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Consultant - FS - Operational Excellence and Process Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at PA Consulting. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at PA Consulting
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at PA Consulting. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
