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
Lead International Improvement Manager (L4)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering large-scale programme management, leading cross-functional teams, managing senior stakeholders (VP level), and demonstrating significant P&L impact on multi-country projects.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering complex transformation programmes on time and budget.
- Successfully mentoring 2-3 Senior Managers to take on larger responsibilities.
- Proactively identifying and solving novel, ambiguous business problems.
- Building strong, trusted relationships with VPs and functional heads.
- 2
Principal, Global Process Excellence (L5)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Developing and managing a portfolio of improvement projects, building organisational capability in process excellence, leading a team of managers, and owning a significant P&L contribution (£500K-£2M).
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrating strategic oversight across multiple, concurrent transformation initiatives.
- Successfully managing and developing a team of 10-25 consultants (including managers).
- Establishing new methodologies or frameworks that significantly improve our internal consulting practice.
- Consistently delivering audited P&L impact within their portfolio.
- 3
External Management Consultant (Senior Principal/Partner equivalent)
Direct entrySkills to master
- Translating external consulting experience in large-scale transformation, client management, and business development into an internal, corporate context. Adapting to our specific culture and ways of working.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of leading multi-million-pound transformation engagements for large, complex clients.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing consulting teams.
- Strong industry expertise directly relevant to our sector.
- Excellent executive presence and client relationship management skills.