Job Details

Implementation Specialist (Management Consultant)
Chicago, IL (or any major US airport hub - see location details below)
All work performed at client locations, 100% travel required
(Out Sunday afternoon/evening, return Friday afternoon/evening)

Company Overview

Our client is a U.S.-based strategy consulting firm known for delivering measurable, high-impact transformations across diverse industries, including manufacturing, energy, transportation, infrastructure, and service operations. The firm partners directly with C-suite executives of Global 2000 corporations, private equity-backed businesses, and privately held companies to drive rapid operational improvement.

The firm follows a proven methodology: conducting comprehensive operational assessments, designing improved processes and operating models, implementing changes directly on plant floors and in operations centers, and ensuring sustainable results through performance management systems. Since 1960, the firm has delivered measurable economic value through hands-on operational transformation-not system implementations or digital strategies.

The firm has a hands-on, results-driven culture and a reputation for excellence in execution.
Position Summary

Our client is seeking high-performing professionals to join the consulting firm's elite team of Implementation Specialists. This is an opportunity to contribute to high-stakes transformations while working closely with senior executives and operational teams. Successful candidates will be results-oriented, comfortable in fast-paced environments, and passionate about making a measurable impact on physical operations and business performance.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational transformation initiatives across functions-from executive leadership to front-line operations on plant floors, warehouses, and distribution centers
• Conduct detailed assessments of manufacturing operations, supply chain networks, procurement functions, or engineering processes to identify improvement opportunities
• Design improved operating models, workflows, organizational structures, and performance management systems
• Take ownership of a key workstream within a large-scale engagement, driving measurable outcomes such as improved throughput, reduced cycle times, enhanced labor productivity, or increased yield
• Lead implementation activities directly in operational environments-plant floors, warehouses, distribution centers, and operations command centers
• Establish KPIs and performance management systems to track progress and ensure sustainable improvements
• Coach and influence client teams to adopt new ways of working and build internal capability
• Identify opportunities to extend client engagements and support business development efforts by uncovering additional transformation needs
• Collaborate across industries and organizations in complex manufacturing, supply chain, and operational environments
• Travel extensively to client sites, with all expenses fully covered

What This Role Is NOT

This is not an IT consulting, digital transformation, or software implementation role. We work on physical operations-improving how plants run, how supply chain networks flow, how procurement functions operate, and how engineering processes deliver results.

Our consultants spend time on manufacturing floors, in distribution centers, at supplier sites, and in operational command centers-not in front of screens implementing software systems. While data and analytics inform our work, the focus is on changing how people work, how processes flow, and how operations perform.
Required Qualifications

• 2 to 8 years of proven success in a management consulting firm working on projects in support of operations excellence, product engineering, quality, supply chain, or procurement
• Experience across the full consulting lifecycle: assessment/diagnostic phase, solution design, implementation/delivery, and business development or engagement extension
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline (engineering, operations management, supply chain, business, or related field)
• Strong analytical and communication skills with ability to influence senior leaders and frontline teams
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, on-site client engagements in industrial environments
• Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to obtain a passport for global travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within operations-focused consulting or operational transformation environments (manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, engineering)
• Familiarity with operational metrics such as OEE, cycle time, throughput, yield, labor productivity, inventory turns, or procurement savings
• Exposure to international operations or global manufacturing footprints
• Demonstrated leadership and client-facing experience with plant managers, operations directors, and functional leaders
• Experience in heavy industries: manufacturing, energy, transportation, infrastructure, or industrial sectors

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonuses (for Implementation Specialist II and above)
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  
  • Employer-funded health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Life insurance and both short- and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off and holiday schedule

Career Growth Opportunities

This role offers transparent, merit-based career progression with a pathway from Implementation Specialist to Managing Partner. The firm is committed to developing future executive leaders through meaningful work, structured development programs, and mentorship.

As you progress, you'll gain increasing responsibility for client relationships, business development, and team leadership-ultimately managing entire engagements and P&L responsibility.
Location and Travel Requirements

• Listed Location: Chicago, IL is listed for posting purposes only
• Actual Location: U.S.-based candidates near any major airport hub are eligible
• Geographic Preference: Candidates based in Eastern, Midwestern, or Central time zones are preferred due to client concentration in these regions, though all qualified candidates will be considered
• Weekly travel to client sites is required (travel costs fully covered)
• Candidates must be comfortable working on-site at client locations throughout the U.S. and internationally
• Work is performed in operational environments: manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, supplier facilities, and operations centers