Managing Consultant - Financial Services

The Managing Consultant is responsible for leading end-to-end transformation programmes for financial services clients across Banking, Insurance, and Asset Management. The role provides strategic and hands‑on leadership of complex technology, regulatory, digital transformation, and operational improvement initiatives, working closely with CIOs, IT leaders, and business stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes and realise business value.

The position combines client‑facing programme delivery with consulting practice leadership, including the management, development, and mentoring of consulting teams. The Managing Consultant supports business growth through client engagement, proposal development, pre‑sales activities, and the continuous enhancement of consulting methodologies, delivery frameworks, and associate networks. The role also contributes to the expansion of the organisation's consulting capability and market presence within the financial services sector.

• Leading end-to-end transformation programmes for financial services clients across Banking, Insurance and Asset Management.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to CIOs, leadership and business stakeholders.
• Taking ownership of major transformation projects and helping clients unlock value at pace.
• Navigating complex regulatory change, digital innovation and operational excellence initiatives on behalf of clients.
• Working directly with clients to understand challenges, co‑create solutions, and ensure delivery excellence.

• Working closely with the wider team to ensure seamless collaboration across consulting projects and delivery partnerships, and a smooth transition from consulting to delivery.
• Scaling the consulting practice while maintaining high quality client outcomes.
• Supporting client development and proposals within the financial services sector.
• Supporting pre‑sales activity and shaping new client opportunities.
• Acting as the face of innovation and thought leadership, promoting Smart Co’s consulting expertise through events, blogs and other initiatives.
• Contributing to the evolution of Smart Co’s delivery framework.

• Assisting with the recruitment, mentoring and developing a team of high‑performing consultants.
• Talent mapping across consulting, delivery and business support to identify and develop future senior consultants, including succession planning.
• Refining and enhancing Smart Co’s consulting methodologies across our core digital practices – Artificial Intelligence, M&A and IT Separation, Cloud and Infrastructure, Apps and Systems and Cyber and Compliance.
• Collaborating with the Project Resourcing Team to expand the associate talent pool and address skills gaps, ensuring effective use of associates within our fixed‑price consulting model.
• Proven consulting background with experience working with CIOs, leadership and business sponsors within the financial services sector.
• Demonstrated experience delivering transformation, regulatory change or digital innovation programmes.
• Deep understanding of financial services operating models, regulatory drivers and technology landscapes.
• Proven experience building and leading consulting teams, with strong knowledge of consulting methodologies.
• Commercial acumen with experience growing a consulting practice, managing P&L, and supporting pre‑sales and client engagement.
• Familiarity with managing both internal consultants and associate networks, ensuring seamless delivery with external partners.
• Excellent, influential communicator, able to build trust and credibility at senior levels and articulate complex concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Results‑oriented, focused on delivering tangible business and client outcomes.

• Full Time (Core hours 9am – 5pm).
• Hybrid working arrangement, with time split between our Richmond office, client sites, and home‑based working.

• Competitive base salary and performance‑based bonus of up to 20%.
• Fully flexible working arrangements.
• Enhanced holiday allowance.
• 100% employer‑funded private healthcare.
• Life assurance & Employee Assistance…