Strategic Development and Advisory Consultant at BDO South Africa

Job specification

We are seeking a strategic and analytical thinker to join our strategic and development advisory team.  Our team apply their in-depth knowledge, expertise & critical thinking skills to develop bespoke, practical, clear and objective business solutions to our public and private sector clients.

Project responsibilities will include leading workstreams as well as running smaller to medium sized engagements. 

Typical tasks expected of our consultants include:

• Project management including managing project budgets, deadlines, productivity, billings, liaising with clients, project supervision of researchers, analysts and other consultants, development of project work plans, etc.
• Managing project components effectively by completing them on time, at the required standard and to the client’s satisfaction
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research – interviewing, field work, design and implementation of questionnaires, spreadsheets etc.
• Detailed analysis of data – market demand, economic impact, financial, development of project specific analytical models, etc.
• Develop and write reports, or parts thereof, to a high standard and in accordance with client needs
• Develop appropriate and suitable strategies as part of projects as applicable and to suit client needs
• Facilitation of workshops
• Develop and conduct presentations
• Draft and present proposals
• Identifying marketing and sales opportunities through:
  • conference papers and presentations
  • media interviews
  • networking functions
  • awareness of possible new projects
  • targeted business development, etc.
• Negotiate and close sales and on-sell services
• Development and maintenance of positive relationships with clients
• Mentoring, training and supporting other team members
• Engage in relevant marketing activities
• Attending and networking at conferences, functions etc.
• Admin duties as required

Requirements

Skills and experience required       

• Honours or Masters degree (MBA, financial, economics, development studies, strategy, property, tourism or hospitality related an advantage)
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Excel (advanced), Working knowledge of MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Power BI and other applications
• Accounting and financial knowledge – able to read, understand and make recommendations based on financial information.  Experience in financial modelling an advantage
• 3 to 6 years working experience.  Less than 3-years will be considered for a junior consultant role                                                                                                      
• Ability to engage at all levels, both verbally and in writing
• Strong thinking skills – strategic, bottom-line, analytical, big picture, creative, realistic, possibility, shared, unpopular, focused
• Keen interest in, and knowledge of, the digital economy and relevant applications
• Economic knowledge an advantage
• Good project management skills
• Good manager of people and interested in developing others
• Able to liaise with high-level clients and to interview and extract meaningful information from identified sources
• Networking skills, able to develop lasting relationships with people
• Willing to chair meetings, sit on committees and become an expert in the field in which they consult
• Keen awareness of the macro economic climate in South Africa

Personal attributes

• Ability to work independently and be self-managed
• Have Initiative
• Attention to detail
• Professional at all times
• Friendly and helpful
• Proactive
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Keen awareness of, and interest in, the macro and micro economic climate in which the various industry sectors operate
• Willing to grow and develop in the field of tourism, property and general management consulting
• Comfortable with presentations/ facilitation
• Must be a highly motivated self-starter with a strong will to succeed
• Eager to learn and grow

Other Requirements:                                                                                                                                                                          

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• There will be occasions where the incumbent would need to work overtime
• Some travel (in South Africa and the rest of Africa) will be required