Head of Forest Consulting

Fastmarkets•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Fastmarkets is seeking a highly experienced and commercially driven Head of Forest Products Consultancy to lead and scale our consultancy offering from the US market. This is a senior leadership and management role responsible for building and delivering a market-leading strategic advisory business across the forest product sector, with a focus on the global pulp, paper, and packaging value chain. The role combines hands-on strategic consulting delivery, commercial leadership, and team building, with full accountability for revenue generation, client development, and the growth of the consultancy business line within a broader Price Reporting Agency (PRA) environment. The successful candidate will act as the principal consultancy lead for our global business, with direct responsibility and accountability in driving sales and revenue generation in Forest product consultancy, working closely with global analysts and commercial teams to develop and deliver high-impact client solutions. Specifically, you will generate business development opportunities, lead and deliver all strategy and market-based consultancy projects that include tailored market overviews and outlooks, feasibility assessments and analysis, cost benchmarking and competitiveness analysis, supply-chain mapping, go-to-market and commercial due diligence advisory, packaging value chain strategy and circular economy insights, and other bespoke engagements.

Requirements

A seasoned individual with consulting experience in Forest product consultancy, proven business development and research
Proven experience in a top-tier consulting firm (e.g. McKinsey, BCG, Bain) or specialist commodities consultancy
Demonstrated experience in building or scaling a consulting practice or business line in the Forest products space
Deep knowledge of global pulp, paper, and packaging markets and value chains
Strong track record of leading client-facing advisory engagements at a senior level
Experience in complex solution selling and project execution/management involving single-client consultancy services work
Fluent in English, a second language preferred
Flexibility and willingness to travel when required
Self-starter and ‘hunter’ mentality with strong personal drive is essential, with the ability to thrive in a multitasking environment
Accountable and performance-driven
Effective communication in person, on the phone, in writing and online
Effective and amiable team player keen on making clients, project members, and colleagues happy while achieving ambitious objectives.

Nice To Haves

An already established client and industry contact network would be desirable

Responsibilities

Act as the principal lead for all forest products consultancy engagements across pulp, paper, and packaging markets globally
Winning, executing, and project managing (both independently and in collaboration with our delivery teams and business partners) a range of strategic and market-based consultancy projects in the forest products space.
Managing consultancy deliverables (self-sufficiently and managing others) that are robust, accurate, and well-researched and project managing resources utilising modelling, data collection, and research interview techniques
Position the Fastmarkets consultancy practice as a credible and leading alternative to established rival firms
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing US consultancy team
Establish scalable processes, frameworks, and methodologies for consultancy delivery
Foster a high-performance, client-focused consulting culture
Lead the development of market insights, reports, and client-facing thought leadership
Translate complex market dynamics into actionable commercial strategies for clients
Own and drive consultancy sales and revenue growth across North America and global accounts
Identify, develop, and convert new consultancy opportunities with existing PRA and external clients
Build a strong pipeline of project-based and retainer-based advisory engagements
Work closely with commercial and account teams to integrate consultancy offerings into broader client relationships
Developing and building existing customer relationships and acquiring new consultancy customers, as well as repeat/retainer business
Forecasting and CRM reporting
Represent the business externally at industry events, client presentations, and conferences
Utilise professional network to surface opportunities and to source independent contractors to support the delivery of engagements.