Placing a Strategy Consultant in a Complex Services Business Challenge
Challenge
Our client is a large, well-known UK services organisation – widely recognised for its core brand, but operating in this context more like an insurance or home services provider, covering homecare, plumbing, electrical support, and social housing. That distinction mattered from the outset.
The requirement was for a Senior Strategy Consultant on a short-term, high-impact contract to cover a gap within the strategy team, reporting into a highly credible Strategy Director with a top-tier consulting background. The successful candidate needed to hit the ground running and operate at a senior level from day one.
The role combined strategic thinking – growth strategy, market positioning, long-term planning – with hands-on analytical delivery and the ability to build and present strategic narratives to senior stakeholders. The business context added further complexity: multiple customer segments spanning homeowners, landlords, and social housing providers; a large operational workforce delivering services on the ground; and broader organisational priorities around sustainability and net zero. Cross-functional collaboration and the ability to influence at a senior level were essential from day one.
Solution
There was a clear preference for candidates from a management consulting background with strong analytical capability and experience working closely with senior stakeholders, but background alone wasn’t the brief.
What we were really looking for were individuals who could translate complex analysis into clear, actionable strategy; adapt quickly to a new and nuanced business environment; balance structured strategic thinking with practical, hands-on delivery; and challenge confidently at an executive level, not just present to it.
We focused our search on consultants with relevant sector exposure – particularly those who had worked in operational or service-led businesses – alongside strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Speed was also critical, with a tight turnaround required on both interviews and onboarding.
Results
We delivered a strong, well-aligned shortlist within a short timeframe, enabling the client to move quickly on a critical hire. The success of the search came down to understanding not just the role requirements, but the context and environment the individual would be stepping into – which in a business this operationally complex, made all the difference. Since then, we have gone on to support this function further and our consultants have had the opportunity to extend and explore other interesting projects for the brand.
