Senior Consultant, SPI

AArete•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

AArete is one-of-a-kind when it comes to consulting firm culture. We’re a global, innovative management and technology consulting firm with offices in the U.S., India, and Europe. Our name comes from the Greek word for excellence: “Areté.” And excellence is exactly what we strive for. We’re celebrating our fourth year as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Management Consulting Firms – and our success starts with our people. From robust career development planning to competitive life and wellness benefits, AArete’s “Culture of Care” takes a holistic approach to the employee experience. AAretians (our team members) are leaders at every level. You are encouraged to unlock your full potential by directly contributing to our mission and prioritizing personal development and fulfillment. AArete is actively seeking a dynamic Senior Consultant with experience supporting healthcare payer organizations, with a focus on supply chain, procurement, and cost optimization. This role blends analytical problem-solving with hands-on execution, supporting initiatives such as strategic sourcing, vendor management, and operational efficiency improvement. As a Senior Consultant, you will bring a strong analytical mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to excellence. You thrive in collaborative environments and are energized by solving complex, ambiguous business challenges for healthcare clients. Recognized as a high-performing self-starter, critical thinker, and confident communicator, you will play a meaningful role across both client engagements and internal initiatives. In this role, you will take ownership of driving workstreams to successful outcomes, while also helping to guide and mentor junior team members. Your expertise and judgment will be critical in delivering innovative, client-ready solutions that create 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; working knowledge of SQL is a plus
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