Principal Consultant- Strategy, Growth, & Transformation

CREO; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

CREO in Durham, NC is seeking an accomplished Consulting Leader to drive large client engagements and growth. You will oversee M&A integration, enterprise transformation, and cross-functional teams, ensuring high-quality, on-time delivery while building lasting client relationships.

Responsibilities include shaping engagement strategy, mentoring junior consultants, delivering client-ready materials, and expanding the firm’s business development efforts with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of consulting or equivalent experience leading large engagements.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Masters preferred.
• Proven track record delivering high-value engagements for PE sponsors or portfolio companies.

Responsibilities

• Lead large, complex client projects including M&A integration and enterprise transformation.
• Direct multi-disciplinary teams to deliver on strategic initiatives with autonomy.
• Shape engagement direction to align with client business goals.
• Mentor junior consultants and maintain high delivery standards.
• Manage project execution, risk, and client satisfaction.
• Drive business development and expand the firm’s client base.

Skills

Consulting leadership

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Masters or equivalent post graduate degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

expanding the firm's market presence, driving new business opportunities, and strengthening long-term client relationships. This role is perfect for a dynamic, results-oriented leader who thrives on complex challenges and is ready to make a significant impact at both the client and organizational levels. Preference given to candidates located in RTP, Chicago, or Boston.

• Lead large, complex, and high-profile client projects, including M&A integration and enterprise transformation engagements
• Manage and direct multi-disciplinary teams, guiding them to deliver on strategic initiatives with significant autonomy and authority
• Shape the overall direction of the engagement, ensuring that project objectives align with the client’s broader business goals
• Your expertise will be instrumental in mentoring team members, providing project delivery oversight, and maintaining high standards for project delivery
• Manage project execution and risk, to deliver high-quality, on-time results while ensuring client satisfaction
• Your proactive communication and leadership will be critical in keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead and manage client projects.

• Lead large, complex, and high-profile client projects, including M&A integration and enterprise transformation engagements
• Manage and direct multi-disciplinary teams, guiding them to deliver on strategic initiatives with significant autonomy and authority
• Shape the overall direction of the engagement, ensuring that project objectives align with the client’s broader business goals
• Your expertise will be instrumental in mentoring team members, providing project delivery oversight, and maintaining high standards for project delivery
• Manage project execution and risk, to deliver high-quality, on-time results while ensuring client satisfaction
• Your proactive communication and leadership will be critical in keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process
• Maintain personal billable utilization target

2. Deliver client-ready deliverables, insights, and solutions.

• Produce and deliver highly polished, client-ready materials, including presentations, reports, strategic frameworks, and financial models that articulate complex ideas and provide actionable insights
• Ensure that all deliverables meet the highest standards of excellence, rigor, and clarity while tailoring solutions to each client’s unique challenges
• Your ability to synthesize sophisticated data into compelling narratives will be a key driver in presenting business-critical recommendations to senior stakeholders

3. Champion advanced data analysis and strategic decision-making.

• Lead the design and execution of data collection, analysis, and business assessments, applying advanced analytical tools and techniques to provide strategic insights across a variety of business domains
• Take charge of managing and synthesizing market research and client assessments, providing executive-level guidance to shape long-term strategies. Your ability to integrate insights into impactful business solutions will help clients address their most critical challenges

4. Drive business development and client relationship growth

• Achieve annual sales target in support of the practicers business development goals.
• Have a hands-on role in expanding the firm’s client base by proactively identifying new business opportunities, developing relationships, and driving the sales process
• Lead the development of proposals, presentations, and pitches for potential clients, tailoring solutions to meet their unique needs
• Your ability to cultivate long-term client relationships, spot new avenues for growth, and support new business development will be crucial to the firm's expansion strategy.
• Lead strategic discussions with clients, helping them navigate challenges and pursue transformative solutions

5. Mentor and develop junior team members.

• Actively mentor and develop junior consultants, fostering a collaborative team environment
• Provide guidance on project management, client interaction, and skill development
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, to help cultivate the next generation of leaders within the firm.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of consulting experience or equivalent work experience, including proven expertise in leading complex, large-scale engagements and building high-level client relationships with minimal oversight
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Preferred: Masters or equivalent post graduate degree (or post-graduate degree in process)
• A demonstrated track record of success in leading multi-disciplinary teams, shaping client strategies, and managing high-value projects that drive measurable business outcomes. Direct experience delivering engagements for private equity sponsors and/or portfolio companies.
• Project leadership experience, including the ability to mentor and guide team members, and effectively manage cross-functional groups to deliver results.
• Proven ability to identify new business opportunities, develop strategic proposals, and support client acquisitions, driving growth and profitability.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and senior leadership teams.
• Expertise in strategic analysis, problem-solving, and delivering actionable insights across various business domains such as operations, finance, and market strategy. Experience with enterprise systems implementations or integrations (e.g., ERP, HR, and operational platforms).
• A history of navigating complex client environments and building long-term relationships that contribute to organizational success and market leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while maintaining a focus on quality, client satisfaction, and team performance.