Principal Consultant- Strategy, Growth, & Transformation

CREO•Durham, NC

About The Position

As a Principal Consultant, you will lead strategic, high-impact client engagements and deliver transformative business outcomes. You will oversee large-scale, high-stakes projects, direct multidisciplinary teams, shape client business strategies, and serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives. The role also contributes to firm growth by expanding market presence, identifying business opportunities, and strengthening long-term client relationships. You will lead complex engagements such as M&A integration and enterprise transformation, oversee project delivery and risk, maintain client satisfaction, and meet a personal billable utilization target. You will develop polished client-ready presentations, reports, strategic frameworks, and financial models, and use data analysis and market research to generate actionable insights and guide executive decisions. The role includes achieving an annual sales target, developing proposals and pitches, leading strategic client discussions, and cultivating new and existing client relationships. You will also mentor junior consultants, support their professional development, and foster a collaborative culture of continuous learning.

Requirements

10 or more years of consulting or equivalent work experience.
Proven expertise leading complex, large-scale engagements and building high-level client relationships with minimal oversight.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, shaping client strategies, and managing high-value projects that produce measurable business outcomes.
Project leadership experience, including mentoring team members and managing cross-functional groups.
Ability to identify business opportunities, develop strategic proposals, support client acquisitions, and drive growth and profitability.
Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and senior leadership teams.
Expertise in strategic analysis, problem-solving, and delivering actionable insights across areas such as operations, finance, and market strategy.
Ability to navigate complex client environments and build long-term relationships.
Ability to perform in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while maintaining quality, client satisfaction, and team performance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate degree; a postgraduate degree in progress is also noted.
Direct experience delivering engagements for private equity sponsors and/or portfolio companies.
Experience with enterprise systems implementations or integrations, such as ERP, HR, and operational platforms.

Responsibilities

Lead large, complex, high-profile client projects, including M&A integration and enterprise transformation engagements.
Manage multidisciplinary teams and guide them in delivering strategic initiatives.
Shape engagement direction and align project objectives with clients’ broader business goals.
Mentor team members, oversee project delivery, and maintain high project-delivery standards.
Manage project execution and risk to deliver high-quality, on-time results and maintain client satisfaction.
Communicate proactively with stakeholders and keep them informed and engaged.
Maintain a personal billable utilization target.
Produce client-ready presentations, reports, strategic frameworks, and financial models.
Ensure deliverables are rigorous, clear, high-quality, and tailored to each client’s challenges.
Synthesize complex data into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders.
Lead the design and execution of data collection, analysis, and business assessments using advanced analytical tools and techniques.
Manage and synthesize market research and client assessments, and provide executive-level guidance for long-term strategies.
Achieve an annual sales target in support of practice business-development goals.
Identify business opportunities, develop relationships, expand the client base, and drive the sales process.
Lead proposals, presentations, and pitches tailored to prospective clients’ needs.
Cultivate long-term client relationships and identify opportunities for growth.
Lead strategic discussions to help clients navigate challenges and pursue transformative solutions.
Mentor junior consultants and guide their project management, client interaction, and skill development.
Foster a collaborative environment and a culture of continuous learning.