Job Description

Manager - Management Consulting | Strategy & Transaction Services Focus

 

Are you a high-performing consultant ready to take the next step in your career? Do you combine exceptional analytical rigour with the ability to lead teams and drive client impact in the dynamic world of strategy and transactions?

Our client, a leading South African strategy advisory firm, is seeking two experienced Manager-level consultants to join their growing practice. What sets this opportunity apart is the firm's distinctive specialisation in Transaction Services, Private Equity support, and M&A advisory, offering you unparalleled exposure to high-stakes, commercially driven consulting work that directly impacts deal outcomes and business transformation.

 

Why This Opportunity Is Different:

Unlike traditional strategy houses, this firm has carved out a unique position as a "challenger" firm specialising in Strategy and M&A related work.  You'll work at the intersection of strategic thinking and commercial execution, with deep exposure to:

• Transaction ServicesPrivate Equity & M&A: Acquisition screening, business plan/IM development, 100-day plans, post-merger integration, value creation plans, synergy management
• Corporate Finance:
• Growth & Transformation Strategy

 

This is consulting work that matters commercially – where your analysis directly influences investment decisions, deal structures, and post-acquisition value creation.

 

About the Role:

As a Manager, you'll bridge strategy and execution – leading project teams, managing client relationships, and delivering transformational results. You'll have the autonomy to shape engagements while working collaboratively with Partners and Principals who bring deep international consulting pedigree and real operational experience.

 

What You'll Do:

• Lead transaction-focused consulting engagements
• Conduct rigorous commercial analysis
• Manage and develop
• Drive analytical excellence
• Build and maintain client relationships Shape project approach and methodology
• Contribute to business development
• Own project economics

 

Essential Requirements:

Consulting Experience:

• 3-6 years' experience in management consulting gained at a recognised consulting firm (Tier 1, Tier 2, boutique, or specialist consultancies including transaction advisory practices)
• Proven track record of managing complex projects and leading small teams (2-4 consultants)
• Experience across the full project lifecycle – from problem definition through to implementation support
• Demonstrable client-facing skills with experience managing stakeholder relationships at senior levels
• Transaction services or PE/M&A experience is highly advantageous but not essential if you have strong consulting fundamentals

 

Analytical & Academic Excellence:

• Outstanding academic credentials – strong undergraduate degree from a top-tier university (First Class/Honours or equivalent)
• Advanced degree highly advantageous (MBA, Master's, PhD, CA(SA), CFA), demonstrating continued commitment to intellectual rigour
• Exceptional analytical capabilities – structured thinking, quantitative analysis, financial modelling, and strategic problem-solving
• Proficiency in analytical tools relevant to management consulting and transaction work (advanced Excel modelling, financial analysis, data interpretation)
• Strong business and commercial acumen – understanding of valuation, business economics, and value creation

 

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking – ability to see the big picture while managing complex details
• Commercial mindset – comfort with financial models, deal structures, and investment logic
• Leadership presence – capability to influence, inspire, and develop junior team members
• Communication excellence – crafting compelling narratives and delivering impactful presentations to C-suite and investor audiences
• Intellectual curiosity – continuous learner who stays abreast of industry trends, transaction methodologies, and best practices
• Results orientation – track record of delivering measurable outcomes for clients and meeting commercial objectives
• Entrepreneurial spirit – comfort with ambiguity and contributing to a growing firm's development

 

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Transaction services background – experience in commercial DD, vendor DD, CDD, or M&A advisory
• Private Equity exposure – understanding of PE value creation, portfolio company support, or investment due diligence
• Consulting pedigree across multiple firms – breadth of methodologies and approaches from different consulting environments
• Functional or industry depth in areas such as Strategy, Operations, Financial Services, Technology, Consumer/Retail, or Healthcare
• Business development track record – contribution to proposals, thought leadership, or client acquisition
• People development success – demonstrated ability in coaching and growing junior consultants
• South African market knowledge and/or experience working in African markets or emerging economies
• International experience with global consulting firms or exposure to international best practices

 

Why Join This Firm:

Professional Growth:

• Direct Partner exposure and mentorship from seasoned consulting leaders with Tier 1 backgrounds
• Accelerated career progression – Manager to Principal/Partner pathway within 3-5 years for high performers
• Diverse project portfolio across strategy, transactions, operations, and transformation
• Thought leadership opportunities to build your personal brand in the transaction advisory space
• Intellectual environment that values rigorous analysis and innovative thinking
• International experience opportunities through the firm's offshore partnerships

 

Culture & Work Environment:

• Meritocracy – advancement based on performance and impact, not tenure
• Collaborative culture where knowledge-sharing drives success
• Entrepreneurial spirit – opportunity to shape the firm's growth and transaction capabilities
• Sustainable high performance – work-life integration valued alongside delivery excellence
• Team-focused – smaller teams mean closer relationships and greater collective impact
• Open door policy – easy access to all levels of leadership

 

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive market-related package with performance-based incentives
• Participation in firm success as the practice grows
• Professional development investment in training and skill-building

 

Your Career Trajectory:

This Manager role positions you for progression to Senior Manager and ultimately Principal/Partner within 3-5 years, subject to performance. You'll build the leadership capabilities, client relationship skills, and business development expertise required for senior consulting leadership, with particular depth in the high-value transaction advisory space.

 

Why work with Theo?

With 30 years of specialised experience in executive search and recruitment for management consulting firms, Theo has an unparalleled track record of placing exceptionally talented consultants into leading strategy and advisory practices. As Managing Director of TSR Search and Advisory and a former McKinsey recruiter, Theo understands the consulting landscape intimately and can provide valuable insights into this opportunity, the firm's culture, and your career trajectory. His deep relationships across the consulting industry means he can guide you through the process and advocate effectively on your behalf.

 

By applying you confirm that:

1. We may retain your personal information in our database for future matching.
2. We may contact you for your consent to submit your CV to suitable vacancies.
3. That the information you have submitted is true, correct and up to date.