At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems delivery and shape strategies for higher education transformation projects.
- Company: PACT Solutions, a dynamic consultancy focused on digital transformation in higher education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career progression, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for mentorship and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and help universities modernise operations and enhance the student journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in system implementation and strong stakeholder management skills required.
Location: Bristol or Manchester hybrid (regular travel to partner sites across the UK and Ireland as needed)
Role Type: Permanent (full-time preferred, flexible working considered)
About PACT Solutions: PACT Solutions is a specialist management and digital transformation consultancy working exclusively with higher education institutions across the UK. We help universities solve complex challenges across strategy, student records, data, change and delivery. Our work often sits at the heart of major institutional transformation, helping partners improve the student journey, modernise operations and deliver change more effectively.
Our culture is crucial to our success. Each day, our team significantly contributes to our business and that of our partners. We combine the agility and collaborative spirit of a close-knit consultancy with the credibility, structure, and professionalism needed to deliver meaningful digital transformation. Our values sit at the heart of everything we do and are core to our business:
- Partnership: We work with you, not for you.
- Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it requires difficult conversations.
- Inquisitive: We dig deeper to uncover what will truly deliver value.
- Transformative: We focus on outcomes that create lasting, measurable improvement.
The Role: We are looking for a Consultant to lead systems workstreams or small-to-medium projects across our higher education partners. This role combines delivery leadership, systems thinking and technical credibility. You will shape system strategies and solutions, lead delivery teams, and work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure systems are practical, scalable and aligned to institutional needs.
Purpose of the role: To lead and shape systems delivery within transformation programmes, ensuring high-quality outcomes, strong stakeholder engagement and robust, scalable solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Systems delivery leadership: Define delivery approach, plans, milestones and governance; Lead system implementation, configuration and optimisation activity across programmes; Ensure systems are aligned with operating models, data requirements and wider programme delivery; Manage risks, dependencies and priorities across complex environments; Ensure delivery is structured, controlled and outcome-focused.
- System strategy, design and architecture: Define target-state system architecture, roadmaps and design principles; Identify data, interface and integration requirements that enable effective end-to-end processes; Ensure solutions are aligned to enterprise architecture, operating models and future-state design; Provide expert input into system design decisions and trade-offs.
- Stakeholder leadership: Own relationships up to Head of Service / senior manager level; Lead workshops, design sessions and decision forums; Provide clear recommendations and challenge constructively; Translate technical concepts into clear business language.
- Team leadership and quality assurance: Coach and mentor Consultants and Analysts; Review and assure deliverables; Set standards for systems documentation, configuration and delivery outputs; Support development of capability within the team.
- Delivery assurance and governance: Oversee RAID management and reporting; Ensure alignment with programme governance and delivery frameworks; Support testing, cutover planning, adoption and go-live activity; Ensure solutions are robust, scalable and supportable.
- Commercial contribution: Contribute to proposals, bids and estimates; Shape delivery approaches and resourcing plans; Identify follow-on opportunities with partners; Support account development.
- Internal contribution: Contribute to methodologies, frameworks and propositions; Support knowledge sharing and capability development; Contribute to thought leadership where appropriate.
Accountability: Accountable for delivery of systems scope to agreed outcomes and quality; Responsible for governance, reporting and risk management; Accountable for quality assurance of team outputs.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead systems delivery across major transformation programmes.
- Exposure to complex enterprise systems and modern technology environments.
- Development of leadership, consulting and technical capability.
- Clear progression to Manager-level roles.
- Opportunity to shape PACT’s Systems capability.
At PACT, we value people who are proactive about their growth, open to feedback, and motivated to keep developing their skills, judgement and impact. This role sits at the Consultant level within PACT’s consulting career pathway (Analyst → Consultant → Senior Consultant → Lead → Principal), combining delivery leadership with deeper expertise and team responsibility.
Essential experience:
- Strong experience in system implementation, configuration and/or optimisation delivery.
- Working knowledge of the admissions process.
- Experience leading workstreams or small projects.
- Strong understanding of system architecture, lifecycle and design principles.
- Experience assessing data, interface and integration requirements in support of system delivery.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to shape practical, scalable solutions.
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members.
Desirable:
- Experience within higher education.
- Experience with enterprise systems (SIS, ERP, CRM, VLE, etc.).
- Exposure to enterprise architecture frameworks.
- Experience in consultancy or transformation environments.
Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems in Manchester employer: Pact Solutions
PACT Solutions is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, ideal for those looking to develop their consulting and business analysis skills in the dynamic field of higher education transformation. With opportunities for professional growth and a focus on meaningful outcomes, employees benefit from a hybrid working model in vibrant locations like Bristol or Manchester, alongside experienced colleagues who are committed to integrity and partnership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems in Manchester
✨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 Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems at Pact Solutions!
✨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 Pact Solutions or be willing to refer you for that Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems 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 Pact Solutions who’s on the lookout for their next Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems 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 Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems role at Pact Solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant/Senior Consultant - Systems in Manchester
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 Pact Solutions. 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 Pact Solutions
✨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 Pact Solutions. 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!
