Job description
Role Overview and Purpose #LI-CP1
KPMG's Defence Consulting practice is a market leading team within the UK consulting market. We advise government clients on their largest, most complex, and highest profile strategic issues. Our team combines deep sector insight, expert consulting capabilities and trusted client relationships to design and implement solutions that span all aspects of our clients' operations.
Defence is a KPMG priority sector. That means we are a fast-growing team which presents exciting opportunities for a Senior Manager to lead impactful projects, drive our ambitious growth agenda and seek career progression.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager who possesses high quality consulting skills and a record of delivering outstanding results when independently leading large and complex consulting projects and working with C-suite clients. These projects will be focused on challenges such as: business or operating model change; strategy development; strategic cost reduction and cost management; performance and operational improvement; and investment decision support. All our work is underpinned by technology, and the Senior Manager will require an understanding of how technology can enhance delivery of projects and the solutions we develop for clients.
The nature of projects we deliver is highly varied, which means we need our Senior Managers to continually adapt and grow their skills and knowledge. Strong candidates will also demonstrate a firm understanding of the challenges faced by the Defence sector, a track record of creating lasting senior relationships and building high-performing teams
Key responsibilities of the role:
1. Use leading practice problem-solving methodologies to address client issues and structure projects, underpinned by technology
2. Lead high quality analysis that combines KPMG expertise and market insight with quantitative and qualitative analysis
3. Act as the primary client interface with senior clients, providing effective, credible, and timely communications
4. Leverage your consulting expertise and network to generate and win new business opportunities and lead the development of business development propositions.
5. Generate thought leadership, drive knowledge sharing and develop consulting skills within our team.
6. Develop high-performing teams, inspiring and empowering team members and supporting their career development
Project leadership
KPMG's Defence Consulting team comprises over 70 team members. You will be responsible for leading projects ranging in length from several weeks to multiple years and leading diverse teams of consultants supported by sub-contractors and members of the client's own staff. You will deliver projects to agreed deadlines and budgets. Please note that this is not a project or people management role - the main focus of this role is employing complex analysis to solve client problems and you will be expected to demonstrate several years of relevant experience and achievements.
Solving client problems
You will be responsible for developing robust problem-solving methodologies, structuring and reviewing complex analysis, and delivering clear and effective deliverables. It is essential that you can work independently to clarify client issues and develop logical and implementable solutions to those issues, which are supported by robust analysis and an understanding of how technology can enhance solutions
Stakeholder interaction:
You will be required to regularly interact with Partners and Directors within KPMG to source insight and expertise and to provide progress updates. You will also lead relationships and frequent interactions with senior members of the client's leadership team. Your clients will predominantly be from the Ministry of Defence. The ability to develop strong client relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds and at all levels of seniority, including senior leaders, will be crucial. You will effectively communicate points of view and evidence that shapes client decision making.
Sector requirement:
This a high impact role that directly supports the UK's Defence and Security Enterprise. The role will be subject to MOD and UK Govt public sector governance and controls. Due to the nature of the work, it is essential that applicants are able and willing to undergo security clearance processes, if they do not already hold a valid UK government clearance.
Essential experience
Skills, qualifications and experience:
7. Clear record of achievement and progression in a leading consulting firm or in a comparable environment
8. Proven track record of delivering high quality outcomes on complex consulting projects (or equivalent) whilst under pressure. This should include experience of delivering one or more of: business or operating model change; strategy development; strategic cost efficiency and management; investment decision support; or development of business cases and business plans.
9. A strong understanding of consulting problem-solving methodologies, how technology can enhance solutions for clients and how to adapt analysis for client challenges in the Defence sector
10. Strong consulting skillset including qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, storyboarding, report and slide creation, impactful presenting, team management, influencing and relationship-building
11. A track record of developing trusting relationships with client personnel at all levels, including senior leaders.
12. Proven track-record leading and managing teams, including the ability to structure complex projects, understand the strategic context, review detailed analysis, create high-performing teams and support the development of junior colleagues.
13. A track record of contributing directly to selling consulting projects by developing propositions, points of view and thought leadership that address client problems
14. Flexibility to travel to both KPMG offices and client sites around the UK