Senior Consultant, SPI

AArete • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

AArete is a global, innovative management and technology consulting firm with offices in the U.S., India, and Europe, recognized as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Management Consulting Firms. The company fosters a "Culture of Care" with robust career development and competitive life and wellness benefits, encouraging team members (AAretians) to unlock their full potential and contribute to the mission. AArete is seeking a dynamic Senior Consultant with experience supporting healthcare payer organizations, focusing on supply chain, procurement, and cost optimization. This role involves analytical problem-solving and hands-on execution, supporting initiatives like strategic sourcing, vendor management, and operational efficiency improvement. The Senior Consultant will possess a strong analytical mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to excellence, thriving in collaborative environments and solving complex business challenges for healthcare clients. As a high-performing self-starter, critical thinker, and confident communicator, this role plays a meaningful part in client engagements and internal initiatives, taking ownership of workstreams, guiding junior team members, and delivering innovative, client-ready solutions with measurable impact.

Requirements

• 4 + years of consulting experience, with progressive responsibility and client-facing delivery
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience supporting procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or vendor management initiatives
• Demonstrated experience driving cost reduction, spend optimization, or operational improvement efforts
• Strong analytical skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and translating findings into actionable insights
• Ability to own workstreams, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in ambiguous environments
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with client stakeholders
• High self-motivation, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Ability to balance attention to detail with a broader strategic perspective
• Able to see the big picture while navigating ambiguity and competing priorities
• Exceptional independent judgment and decision-making skills, especially in client-facing environments
• Creative and innovative problem-solving abilities with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong project and process management skills, with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Cultural flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to communicate with confidence and maintain executive presence with both client and internal stakeholders
• Willingness to engage in direct client interaction, including travel to client locations, when required
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of experience with the healthcare industry, specifically with payers
• Experience in procurement, supply chain transformation, or vendor strategy
• Familiarity with payer vendor ecosystems, including third-party service providers
• Experience supporting strategic sourcing, category management, or contract analysis initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable cost savings or efficiency improvements
• Experience with AArete’s other focus industries: Pharmacy, Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Higher Ed, or Technology & Professional Services

Responsibilities

• Own and execute workstreams by identifying innovative solutions through data analysis, research, and stakeholder collaboration
• Lead initiatives focused on procurement optimization, strategic sourcing, and vendor management within healthcare payer environments
• Conduct spend analysis and category assessments to identify cost savings opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Evaluate supplier performance, contract structures, and pricing models to support improved financial and operational outcomes
• Support RFP processes, vendor selection, and contract negotiations
• Develop business cases and financial models to quantify impact and support decision-making
• Analyze complex datasets, including spend data, vendor performance metrics, and healthcare cost drivers (medical, pharmacy, and administrative)
• Deliver actionable recommendations and support implementation of operational and cost optimization initiatives
• Establish strong stakeholder rapport and own client communications, including presenting analytical findings and recommendations
• Develop and deliver clear, compelling presentations with a focus on structured storytelling and executive-level communication
• Facilitate client meetings, working sessions, and problem-solving discussions with increasing independence
• Mentor and guide Analysts and Consultants by modeling strong problem-solving, communication, and accountability
• Ask insightful questions to uncover root causes, challenge assumptions, and identify new opportunities
• Support broader consulting engagements across strategy, operations, and performance improvement as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Flexible PTO
• monthly half-day refuels
• volunteer time off
• 10 paid holidays
• Own Your Day flexible work policy
• Competitive majority employer-paid benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match
• Generous paid parental leave options
• Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Charitable contribution matching program
• New client commission opportunities and referral bonus program
• Bike share discount program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior