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
From Lead Performance Consultant (Internal)
3-5 years as a Lead ConsultantSkills to master
- At the Lead level, you'd have mastered managing complex programmes, architecting solutions, and influencing senior stakeholders. To step up to Manager, you'll need to develop your people leadership skills, specifically around team development, performance management, and functional strategy.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led 2-3 major cross-functional transformation programmes with significant business impact.
- Consistently mentored 2+ junior consultants, helping them achieve promotions or significant skill growth.
- Proactively identified and championed new methodologies or tools for the team.
- Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and resource allocations effectively.
- 2
From External Management Consulting
8-12 years in a 'Manager' or 'Senior Manager' role at a top-tier consulting firm.Skills to master
- You'll bring strong project delivery and client management skills. The key will be adapting to an internal context – building long-term relationships, navigating internal politics, and transitioning from advisory to direct ownership of outcomes. You'll need to get comfortable with the 'messiness' of internal implementation.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed multiple client engagements, demonstrating strong project and programme management.
- Experience leading diverse consulting teams.
- Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and influence at senior levels.
- A desire to move from a purely advisory role to one with direct accountability for internal change.
- 3
From Senior Operational Excellence Role (Industry)
10-15 years in an operational leadership role with a strong focus on process improvement.Skills to master
- You'll have deep operational knowledge and a practical understanding of business challenges. You'll need to formalise your consulting methodologies, develop your team leadership skills in a consulting context, and learn to influence across different business units rather than just your own.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led significant operational improvement initiatives within a business unit.
- Formal Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (or equivalent).
- Experience managing teams and driving performance.
- A desire to apply operational expertise more broadly across an organisation.