The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director, Global Change Enablement (L6)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Setting global methodologies, building large-scale teams, influencing across multiple business units, managing a significant portfolio of programmes.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple global transformation programmes from end-to-end.
- Consistently delivered measurable business impact at a multi-million-pound scale.
- Built and mentored a strong leadership team (Directors and Managers).
- Demonstrated ability to influence C-suite stakeholders and present to the Board.
- 2
Management Consultancy Partner (Big 4 or boutique)
5-8 yearsSkills to master
- Client relationship management at the executive level, driving large-scale transformation engagements, business development, thought leadership, P&L responsibility for a practice area.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed a portfolio of £10M+ in consulting engagements for major clients.
- Developed and sold new transformation offerings to C-suite clients.
- Published thought leadership in business transformation.
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing consulting teams.
- 3
Chief Operating Officer (COO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO)
5-10 yearsSkills to master
- Broad operational leadership, technology strategy, enterprise P&L management, cross-functional integration, driving efficiency and innovation across core business functions.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major business unit or functional area (e.g., Operations, IT) with significant P&L.
- Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and technological innovation.
- Strong track record of cross-functional collaboration and strategic execution.
- Proven ability to manage large teams and complex budgets.