At a Glance
- Tasks: Help businesses grow by delivering a proven marketing strategy programme called Sherpa.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at SUMMIT, empowering consultants and marketers.
- Benefits: Earn a meaningful share of every session delivered and commission on additional work.
- Other info: Access training, support, and a network of peers to enhance your success.
- Why this job: Transform your expertise into a structured product that attracts clients and boosts your income.
- Qualifications: Experience in consulting or marketing with established client relationships.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you giving away your precious expertise without properly charging for it? Are you frustrated that you're making everyone else's business grow, but not your own? If you're a business coach, leadership consultant, fractional director, HR specialist, accountant, operational consultant, or creative professional, you already know how to help businesses move forward. The thinking is sharp, the experience is real, and the clients you work with can feel the difference.
But here's the frustration most people in your position recognise: you're giving away your best thinking in day-rate chunks, undercharging for work that creates real commercial value, and building other people's businesses while yours stays flat. The expertise is there. A product that properly monetises it isn't.
We know this because we were that business. Strategy changed it for us. It gave us a structured, repeatable product that attracts the right clients at the right price points, without taking on extra people or making major investment. The shift happened faster than we expected.
We've done the hard work so you don't have to. All you need to do is integrate a proven methodology into your business and deliver it. It's the key you've always known you needed.
What working as a SUMMIT Associate gives you
The SUMMIT Associate model is built for experienced marketers and consultants who want to do more strategic, more valuable work with longer-term clients, without the investment or commitment of a full franchise. It's designed to sit alongside your existing pipeline and client relationships, giving you a structured product to offer the clients you already work with and a compelling reason to start conversations with new ones.
As an Associate, you deliver Sherpa: SUMMIT's marketing strategy programme. Sherpa helps ambitious owner-led businesses define their positioning, sharpen their message, and build a plan they can execute. It's a structured, proven programme with a clear methodology, a defined delivery format, and a price point that reflects proper strategic thinking.
You earn a meaningful share of every Sherpa session you deliver. Associates working regularly typically build towards two to four Sherpa's per month as their client base grows, but the pace is yours to set. There's no territory restriction, no quota, and no one managing your pipeline. You build the relationships and the product and the brand work behind you.
You also receive commission on any downstream Studio work your clients take up with SUMMIT, so the value of bringing a client into the ecosystem extends well beyond the initial engagement.
There's a straightforward buy-in to get started. The details are covered in the next conversation.
Training and support
You don't come into this cold. SUMMIT provides full training on the Sherpa programme: the methodology, the session structure, the facilitation approach, and the outputs clients expect. The programme has been developed and refined across hundreds of businesses, so you're not building your own framework from scratch.
You're learning a system that already works, and bringing your own experience and judgement to how you deliver it. You'll also have access to the wider SUMMIT network: peer challenge from other Associates and Partners, brand assets, marketing support, and the credibility of going to market under a recognised name. You're independent, but not on your own.
Where this can take you
The Associate tier is the entry point, not the destination. As you build your client base and get comfortable with Sherpa, the path to SUMMIT Partner is open. Partner tier unlocks a broader product range, a stronger margin, and deeper integration with the SUMMIT ecosystem. The move is yours to make when you're ready. It's self-elected, not something you're invited into.
Who this suits
This works particularly well for business coaches, leadership consultants, fractional directors, HR and people specialists, accountants and commercial advisers, operational consultants, and creative professionals such as copywriters, designers, and brand strategists. What connects them is experience: you already have established client relationships, a commercial track record, and the credibility to have senior business conversations. The Associate model gives you a structured product to sit alongside what you already offer, and a compelling reason to deepen the value you bring to the clients you're already working with.
Who it doesn't
The Associate programme is designed for marketers and consultants who already have experience, existing client relationships, and a track record they can build from. It isn't the right starting point for someone new to the sector or looking for a first step into marketing. The model works because you bring credibility and commercial experience to the table. Sherpa adds a structured product and a proven methodology to what you already have. Without that foundation, the programme won't work as well for either side.
The commercial arrangement
The earning structure and buy-in are straightforward and competitive. We cover those details in the first conversation, once we've established the fit is right on both sides.
Productized Growth Strategy Consultant employer: Summit
SUMMIT in West Yorkshire is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As an Associate, you will benefit from comprehensive training and marketing support, alongside a competitive earning structure, all while working with owner-led businesses to make a meaningful impact. With ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to leverage your existing network, SUMMIT stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Productized Growth Strategy Consultant
✨Maximise your Online Presence
As a freelance management consultant, your personal brand is key! Revamp your LinkedIn profile by sharing insights on industry trends and case studies. Regularly post about your latest projects or findings to showcase your expertise; trust us, potential clients love seeing your knowledge in action!
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Get involved with consulting communities, both online and offline. Join platforms like Consulting.com or go to local meetups and conferences in your area. These are gold mines for networking and can lead to referrals, which are super important in our freelance world!
✨Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio
Create an online portfolio highlighting your previous projects, methodologies, and the impact of your consultancy work. This live demonstration of your skills can make all the difference when clients are deciding between you and someone else—make it easy for them to see why you’re the right fit!
✨Reach Out to Prospective Clients Directly
Don’t wait for clients to come to you! Proactively reach out to companies that interest you, suggesting how your consultancy could solve their specific challenges. Tailor your pitch to show you understand their business and pain points—it's all about showing value before even landing the gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Productized Growth Strategy Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In a freelance management consulting role, you’ll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills upfront. Make sure your CV includes examples of how you've tackled complex issues in past projects or roles. Highlight any specific methodologies you’ve used, like SWOT analysis or root cause analysis, to impress Summit.
Craft a Compelling Project Portfolio:As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best asset. Include case studies of previous consulting projects that clearly outline the challenges faced, your approach, and the outcomes achieved. This will help potential clients, like Summit, see your impact and how you can add value to their team.
Personalise Your Proposal:When applying to Summit, tailor your proposal specifically to their needs. Reference their company goals or current challenges, and outline how your skills and experiences align with what they're looking for. This shows that you're not just sending out generic applications but are genuinely interested in working with them.
Highlight Your Availability and Rates:Being freelance means flexibility is key! Be upfront about your availability for projects and what your rates are based on your expertise. Summit will appreciate a clear understanding of your working style and how we can collaborate effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Summit
✨Show Off Your Analytical Superpowers
As a freelance management consultant, you'll be expected to tackle complex problems on the fly. Make sure you’re ready to flex those analytical muscles by preparing for case study questions. Tackle real-world scenarios similar to those you might face at Summit, illustrating your thought process and giving structured responses.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value Proposition
In the freelance scene, it's all about making yourself stand out. Be ready to articulate what sets you apart from the competition. Consider how your previous projects align with what Summit values and how your specific skills can contribute directly to their needs.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Tools
Consultants often rely on certain tools to analyse data and generate insights. Get comfortable with software like Excel for data analysis, and if possible, brush up on any specific tools mentioned in the job description that Summit uses. This can give you an edge during technical discussions.
✨Demonstrate Client Management Experience
Freelancing is not just about numbers; it’s also about relationships. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences with clients, particularly how you manage their expectations and deliver results. These examples will highlight your capability to navigate client consultations effectively and reinforce your suitability for the role with Summit.
