Consultant - Supply Chain in Bristol

Squarcle is a growing strategy, operations and digital consultancy dedicated to driving the performance of our clients. We are people orientated and pride ourselves on our people‑first culture. Unlike many consultancies, Squarcle is as equally dedicated to delivery as it is to design. The supply chain strategy and operations department is responsible for providing expert supply chain strategy and operational advice to clients that operate in a fast‑moving global environment. The team is made up of subject matter experts working under an Account Director to deliver the client mandate. Working together but often independently, each consultant will be expected to work onsite and remotely with the client on complex engagements. We optimise the performance of supply chains through the expertise of operations professionals, digitisation and data science. Squarcle is committed to equality and diversity and aims to build and develop a diverse, dedicated and high‑performing team of subject matter experts to help our clients achieve supply chain and operational excellence.

JOB OVERVIEW / INTRODUCTION

Reporting to a manager and working directly with the client, the consultant is responsible for providing independent expert advice to help identify and solve challenges, increase value, and maximise business efficiency and profitability. Using established processes while working with the client’s senior leadership and support staff, the consultant will assist in the creation of strategies, process optimisation and identifying solutions to meet client needs. Squarcle consultants work across both project delivery and business development.

Delivery: provide solutions to the client’s changing business needs, including core strategy development, large‑scale implementation, process optimisation, change management and innovative technology introduction.

Business development: lead sector thinking in the development of latest ideas, producing white papers and internal research on relevant changes occurring in the sector and the impact of the general economy.

Consultants will have the opportunity to work across four broad subject areas:

• Strategy: guide clients in corporate strategy, business transformation and digital and innovation capabilities.
• Operations: advise on business process optimisations to improve operational capabilities and support ongoing client delivery.
• Information Technology: supply and implement technological solutions.
• Human Capital: provide solutions for change management and assist with organisational changes impacting employees.

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Squarcle Management Responsibilities

• Encourage effective working in diverse teams within an inclusive team culture where people are recognised for their contribution.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior clients, acting as a trusted advisor and aiming to ensure buy‑in for case for change and delivery approach.
• Understand client business objectives, challenges and industry trends.
• Ensure high client satisfaction through effective communication and timely delivery of project milestones and deliverables.

Engagement Management and Execution

• Support the Engagement Manager across consulting engagements life‑cycle, including planning, budgeting, mobilisation, deliverable design, content development, risk management/escalation, ensuring successful project delivery.
• Draw on experience to contribute project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with the client and consulting team.
• Manage individual workstreams and milestones to ensure timelines are adhered to and outputs are delivered within budget constraints.
• Perform analysis to identify and develop the proposed solution via:
• Quantitative research methodologies include data mining, creating financial models, and performing valuation analysis.
• Qualitative research methodologies include performing market research and collecting business intelligence.
• Review the findings from the analysis and present solutions to the client.
• Development of artefacts that support the presentation of solutions and plans using standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Deliver tasks to the quality standards and processes of the client and Squarcle, ensuring that work is consistent and in accordance with the Squarcle quality assurance process.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue follow‑on work and new business opportunities with existing and potential clients.
• Support the sales and bid processes where assigned by the Executive Director of Growth and Head of Consulting.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Provide guidance of junior consultants, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Mentor and develop junior consultants, assisting in their professional growth.
• Foster knowledge sharing and best practices within the consulting team.

Thought Leadership and Industry Expertise

• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to the consulting domain.
• Participate in professional development activities, such as attending seminars or pursuing relevant certifications.

SECONDARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Production of internal reporting.
• Develop and refine Squarcle methods and processes.
• Support to wider team activities e.g., knowledge sessions, recruitment etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

• Bachelor’s degree (2:1) or higher in a related subject or equivalent experience in a related role.
• Demonstrable hands‑on experience within a complex, multi‑echelon supply chain environment, including operational and tactical‑level roles (e.g. demand management, inventory control, field/forward logistics, or through‑life support).
• Well‑developed core consulting skills e.g. research, analysis, presentation, and attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Aptitude to grasp new concepts and effectively produce results.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills – an analytical, innovative, and creative mindset.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to be self‑directed and be an independent contributor to the team.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Exceptional client service.
• Sound work ethic.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite; specifically, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A worthy team player dedicated to contributing toward the outcome desired by the team.
• Experience working within, or supporting, large‑scale or complex programme environments – including understanding of programme lifecycle, multi‑stakeholder dependencies, and supply chain integration within major projects.
• Practical understanding of first and second line supply chain functions, including asset management, materiel flow, maintenance support logistics, or operational procurement within a structured supply chain hierarchy.

DESIRABLE

• Business Improvement Qualification (Lean, Kanban, Six Sigma etc).
• S&OP training or supply chain qualification (APICS, CPIM, CIPS or CILT).
• Experience of operating within Defence, Aerospace, or other highly regulated, complex programme environments (e.g. major capital programmes, Critical National Infrastructure).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Power BI and Visio.
• Ability to lead teams.
• Ability to structure and manage intensive workloads.
• High degree of emotional intelligence to effectively deal with increasingly diverse clients and teams.
• Confidence and maturity to work with senior executives.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Generous leave package: 26 days of annual leave (including your birthday!) plus UK bank holidays – increasing to 27 days after three years, and 28 after seven years. You’ll also get five extra days for your five and 10‑year anniversaries. Additional leave for members of the Reserve Forces and CFAV.
• Private medical insurance provided once you’ve completed your probation.
• Recognition and rewards: £1,000 referral bonus for successful hires. Performance‑related awards. Milestone and life‑event hampers to celebrate life’s big moments.
• Development & learning: Annual training week abroad. Funding for qualifications that benefit both you and the business.
• Travel & wellbeing: Cycle to work scheme. Discounted travel through funded railcards.
• Pension: Our pension provider is NOW Pensions, pension contributions are 3% employer and 5% employee.
• Our working hours are 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (with an hour for lunch), Monday – Friday.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 6 months. If you hold dual citizenship or nationality from another country, please make us aware of this during the application phase. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship. We’re committed to creating a diverse environment. We embrace differences and hire based on merit, giving equal consideration to all applications, regardless of gender, background, and race.