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
Senior Performance Improvement Consultant (Internal)
3-5 years as a Senior or Lead ConsultantSkills to master
- Leading complex projects, mentoring junior colleagues, managing senior stakeholders, and consistently delivering measurable business benefits. You'll need to show you can handle ambiguity and drive consensus.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led 3+ large-scale, cross-functional projects with significant financial impact.
- Consistently received positive feedback from executive sponsors on project delivery and influence.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior team members, perhaps through informal leadership.
- Proactively identified and scoped new improvement opportunities for the business.
- 2
Lead Performance Improvement Consultant (Internal)
1-2 years as a Lead ConsultantSkills to master
- Managing a portfolio of projects, developing new methodologies, and influencing strategic direction for the internal consulting function. You'll need to prove your ability to think beyond individual projects to broader programmes.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed a small portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment and resource optimisation.
- Developed and introduced a new methodology or tool that improved team effectiveness.
- Consistently provided strategic input that shaped the direction of our internal consulting practice.
- Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities beyond individual project delivery.
- 3
External Management Consultant (from a top-tier firm)
8-12 years in external consulting (Manager/Senior Manager level)Skills to master
- Translating external client experience to an internal context, adapting to our culture, and building internal relationships quickly. You'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of operational excellence and change management.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed multiple client engagements, delivering significant value and managing client relationships.
- Proven ability to lead and develop consulting teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Deep expertise in relevant industries or functional areas (e.g., operations, supply chain, finance).
- Strong desire to make a long-term impact within a single organisation.