At a Glance
- Tasks: Join project teams to tackle complex client challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Company: The PSC, a consultancy dedicated to improving public services across the UK.
- Benefits: Market-leading training, flexible working options, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; adjustments can be made for the recruitment process.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while growing your consulting skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 12 months' experience in a relevant role and a degree in a STEM or analytical discipline.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The PSC is a consultancy with one simple aim: to make public services brilliant. As a team, we’re united by the belief that better public services reduce inequalities and create a stronger society. Since 2006, we’ve worked with some of the largest public service organisations in the UK, partnering with leaders and teams to deliver lasting change. Our work spans digital services, strategy, and transformation. We tackle some of the most complex challenges facing public services today, guided by our values: we are curious and bold, honest and respectful.
You’ll work alongside talented colleagues, develop quickly through strong support, and benefit from a genuinely meritocratic approach to progression. As we grow, we are now seeking Associate Consultants with at least 12 months’ experience in a relevant role, who are looking to build a career in consulting. If you have experience in a technical, analytical or problem‑solving environment and enjoy working on complex challenges, this is an excellent opportunity to take your next step.
About the role
As an Associate Consultant, you’ll work as part of project teams tackling complex client challenges. You’ll help break down problems and identify solutions - for example, by analysing data to understand root causes and model potential outcomes, or by conducting research to shape new approaches. Over time, you’ll also develop the architecture and design skills needed to ensure solutions work for both client organisations and their end users. You’ll build your consulting toolkit by contributing to the design and delivery of workstreams, working closely with more experienced colleagues and learning through hands‑on experience. You’ll play an active role in solving problems through structured thinking, strong analysis and clear communication. This includes working collaboratively with clients and internal teams, and translating insight into practical recommendations and delivery.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the development of structured approaches to client problems
- Analysing information and identifying key insights
- Contributing to clear, evidence‑based recommendations
- Supporting delivery and implementation
- Producing high‑quality outputs as part of project teams
- Communicating clearly with colleagues and clients
- Contributing to internal initiatives and improving ways of working
About you
We are looking for people with at least 12 months’ experience in a relevant role, which could include consulting, software delivery, or other technical or analytical environments. We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate strong logical thinking, curiosity, and a genuine interest in solving complex problems. In addition, you need to be able to demonstrate:
- A degree in a STEM or related analytical discipline (e.g. science, technology, engineering, mathematics, economics or similar)
- Experience in structured project‑based environments, either professionally or through higher education (e.g. MSc/PhD with collaborative or delivery‑focused work)
- Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to break down complex or ambiguous challenges
- Clear and confident communication, both written and verbal
- Organisation and ability to manage your time effectively
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work with a range of people
- A proactive, curious and self‑motivated approach
- A genuine interest in improving public services
This role does not require a specific technical specialism or coding background. We are looking for candidates who can think logically, work through challenges, and develop into well‑rounded consultants. Due to the nature of many of our projects, candidates for this role must be sole UK nationals. This is a contractual requirement of our government clients and is not within The PSC’s discretion to waive. This role requires Security Check (SC) clearance. To be eligible, you must:
- Have been continuously resident in the UK for the five years immediately before your application date. Time spent abroad on HM Government, Armed Forces, or UK government postings may still count - but gaps in UK residency for any other reason are likely to make you ineligible
- Hold only British nationality and possess no other citizenship or passport from another country
What we offer
Like the rest of the team at The PSC, you will benefit from a supportive and flexible working environment, including:
- Market‑leading training and mentoring
- Merit‑based progression
- Flexible working options
- Equal maternity and paternity policy
- Option to work from abroad for short periods
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
It is extremely important to us that everyone feels they can apply to The PSC. Diversity of background creates diversity of thought, which is hugely valuable to us and our clients. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process.
More information on the application process
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide key information about your background, answer a short written question, and record a short video response. The deadline for applications is 9am on Wednesday 8th July and early application is recommended. If successful, you will be invited to progress to interview stages, including a structured interview and case‑based assessment.
Associate Consultant employer: The PSC
At The PSC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making public services brilliant. Our supportive and flexible work culture fosters employee growth through market-leading training and merit-based progression, while our commitment to diversity ensures that every voice is valued. Located in the heart of the UK, we offer a unique opportunity to tackle complex challenges alongside talented colleagues, all while enjoying generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and the option to work from abroad.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Consultant
✨Tap Into University Networks
If you're hitting the entry-level consulting scene, don’t underestimate your university’s career services. They often host employer networking events and workshops tailored for consulting roles. Attend these events to get direct insights and possibly nab a spot at firms like The PSC!
✨Join Consulting Competitions
Get involved in case competitions! These are gold mines for making connections and showcasing your skills in a practical setting. Plus, many firms scout talent from these events, so your chance of getting noticed by The PSC increases dramatically!
✨Make Yourself Visible Online
Build a presence on platforms like LinkedIn by sharing insights on industry trends or analyses of recent business cases. It’s a great way to catch the eye of recruiters from places like The PSC! Don't forget to engage with posts from consulting professionals to boost your visibility.
✨Direct Application Power
Don’t just rely on job boards! Go straight to the source and apply through The PSC’s website. Tailoring your application to reflect the key skills they’re after not only shows your enthusiasm but also gets you in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:In the world of management consulting, showcasing your analytical skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or coursework where you've tackled complex problems. Bullet points that outline your approach and the impact of your solutions can really make you stand out!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Consulting:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about management consulting specifically. Discuss any relevant experiences, internships, or academic projects that have prepared you for this role. Show us how your skills align with the challenges faced in this field!
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience:Consulting often involves collaboration, so don't forget to include examples of successful teamwork in your application. Whether it's a group project or an extracurricular activity, detail the role you played and any results achieved. This will show us that you're ready to hit the ground running in a team environment!
Include Relevant Extracurriculars and Courses:In the entry-level consulting space, we're looking for candidates who have gone above and beyond. List any relevant courses, workshops, or activities that have given you insights into consulting. Whether it's a leadership position in a student organisation or a specific management course, these can give us a fuller picture of your potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at The PSC
✨Master Your Case Studies
As a budding management consultant, you’ll likely face case study interviews. We should practice structuring our approach to these problems—think about frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces. Dive into sample case studies and even find a study buddy to bounce ideas around and enhance our problem-solving skills!
✨Get Comfortable with Numerical Sense
In management consulting, strong analytical skills are crucial, especially when it comes to interpreting data. Brush up on your mental math and practice interpreting graphs and charts quickly. Being able to discuss metrics and KPIs on the fly will show you’re ready for the analytical demands of the role.
✨Know Your 'Why'
An entry-level position is all about passion and potential. Be ready to explain why you're interested in management consulting and how it aligns with your career goals. We should think about our past experiences and how they have sparked our interest in solving business problems.
✨Practice Making Your Case
The key to nailing interviews in management consulting is our communication skills. Be ready to present clear, structured arguments without getting too bogged down in details. We can prep by practicing mock interviews, responding to typical questions, and formulating concise yet impactful answers.
