At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational improvements on-site with private equity-backed businesses in the US.
- Company: Specialist operations consulting firm focused on execution-led projects.
- Benefits: All travel, accommodation, and subsistence covered; flexible contractor role.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, industrial environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by implementing solutions that improve EBITDA and operational performance.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years of hands-on operational consulting experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
My Client are a specialist operations consulting firm that works exclusively with private equity-backed businesses. Their work is execution-led. Consultants are embedded directly inside portfolio companies to deliver measurable improvements in EBITDA, cash flow and operational performance. Think shop floor redesign, throughput improvement, cost reduction and post-acquisition integration - not slide decks.
This is a contractor role aimed at building a flexible, deployable bench of operations-focused consultants based in the UK who can mobilise quickly - typically within two weeks - onto client projects in the United States. You will be embedded on-site with portfolio company teams, working directly with operators, supervisors and senior management to drive implementation. Projects range from two or three weeks through to three months. All travel, accommodation and subsistence are fully covered.
What You'll Be Working On:
- Operational due diligence assessments ahead of PE acquisitions
- Post-close value creation and rapid EBITDA improvement
- Throughput improvement and capacity debottlenecking
- Cost reduction, shift structure optimisation and overhead elimination
- Working capital and inventory rationalisation
- Business consolidation and site integration for roll-up platforms
- Embedding KPI tracking, daily controls and performance routines
Who They're Looking For:
The ideal candidate has two to four years of hands-on operational consulting experience, though strong Manager-level candidates will also be considered. Background from execution-focused consultancies - the kind where you are physically on the shop floor rather than in a conference room is strongly preferred.
Essential Experience:
- Track record of delivering measurable operational improvement on-site in industrial environments - factories, warehouses, production facilities
- Experience owning and leading workstreams end-to-end, not just supporting analysis
- Ability to diagnose complex operational problems and translate them into clear, actionable plans
- Strong with data - Excel, operational KPIs, production metrics
- Comfortable working directly with shop floor teams and senior stakeholders alike
The Ideal Mindset:
- You want to see your work implemented and measured, not filed away
- You are comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- You have a high-ownership mentality - if something isn't working, you fix it
- You enjoy working in industrial settings and aren't precious about getting stuck in
- You’re interested in private equity and want to build exposure to that world
This Won't Work If:
- You are not willing to travel Monday to Friday on a full-time basis
- Your consulting experience is purely strategy with no on-the-ground implementation
- Industry only experience - without Consulting
- You have not worked directly in operational environments
Operations Consultant employer: Tarka Talent
Contact Detail:
Tarka Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the operations consulting space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get ready for those interviews! Brush up on your operational improvement success stories and be prepared to discuss how you've tackled complex problems on-site. Show them you’re not just about the theory but can deliver real results.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your hands-on experience. Whether it’s through case studies or examples from your past roles, make sure to highlight your ability to drive change directly on the shop floor.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your operational consulting experience in your application. We want to see how you've been on the shop floor, driving real improvements, not just sitting in meetings. Share specific examples of projects where you made a measurable impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Get straight to the point about your skills and experiences that align with the role. Remember, we’re looking for actionable insights!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Operations Consultant role. We want to see how your background fits with our focus on execution-led consulting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tarka Talent
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your operational consulting knowledge. Understand the key metrics like EBITDA and cash flow, and be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is all about being on the shop floor, prepare to share stories that highlight your hands-on experience. Talk about times when you’ve led workstreams or tackled complex operational problems directly with teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy
Be ready to discuss your proficiency with data analysis tools, especially Excel. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions and improvements in operational settings. This will show you’re not just a numbers person but someone who can translate data into actionable plans.
✨Embrace the Fast-Paced Environment
This role requires adaptability and a high-ownership mentality. Prepare to discuss how you've thrived in ambiguous situations and how you approach problem-solving when things don’t go as planned. Show them you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in!