What does a Consultant Principal do?

Consultants are experts in their fields with extensive knowledge and experience in a niche-specific subject who use their experience and expertise to address issues and solve problems found in businesses. Often, they come in from the outside of an organization with a perspective that is new and provide fresh takes that can unstick issues to shift resources and to move a company in a different direction.

Consultants turn their extensive knowledge into a resource to facilitate change or revitalize business processes. They assist with the creation of new businesses and are called upon to assist start-ups before, during, and after they launch. As specialists in the marketing, human resources management, engineering, and finance fields, consultants provide expert advice and analysis accordingly. They are abject at troubleshooting and present strategies that address and prevent problems or improve and enhance company performance. Consultants need a four-year degree in their area of expertise.

What responsibilities are common for Consultant Principal jobs?
  • Able to lead, support and participate on project teams.
  • Curate relevant data, using both internal and external resources.
  • Achieve client's expectations for scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
  • Develop and expand client relationships that generate repeat business.
  • Ensure quality products and services are delivered on time.
  • Carry out fieldwork, report writing, consulting, and plan review.
  • Mentor project team members on client engagements to build their capabilities.
  • Develop and implement executive level governance structure, while helping to drive meeting structure and discussions.
  • Create model documentation, develop implementation roadmaps, and perform knowledge transfers.
  • Participate in client visits, industry events, trade shows, conferences and/or other marketing events as necessary.
  • Assist with preparation of reports, presentations and other client deliverables.
  • Partner with clients to understand their business and related needs.
  • Present project status updates and recommendations to leadership team(s).
  • Lead the capture and maintenance documentation of work processes.
  • Act as technical escalation point to assist other consultants.
  • Provide peer review, technical guidance, and mentoring for team members.
  • Contribute to all project phases - plan, analyze, design, build and test.
What are the typical qualifications for Consultant Principal jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business or equivalent experience.
  • General consulting experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience and skills.
  • Excellent at problem solving and critical thinking.
  • Strong attention to detail and time management.
  • Basic understanding of Agile methodology.
  • Basic understanding of lead management.
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.6 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.8 ★
Avg. Experience5-7 years

Consultant Principal Salaries near Canada

Average Base Pay

$108,007 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Consultant Principal Career Path

Learn how to become a Consultant Principal, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Lead Consultant
$112,563/yr
Principal Consultant
$108,007/yr
Consultant Principal

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
0%
2 - 4
28%
5 - 7
44%
8+
28%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Consultant Principal Insights

Read what Consultant Principal professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
HARMANHARMAN
Senior Consultant
Aug 14, 2021

“Good company and also projects are good and company was giving benefits to employee but not now”

CapgeminiCapgemini
Consultant
May 2, 2022

“The opportunity which I found is excellent and i am building my knowledge towards the development is awesome”

CapgeminiCapgemini
Consultant
Feb 23, 2023

“Good package and good for people who wants to work for long term in the same job”

Amaris ConsultingAmaris Consulting
Advanced Consultant Engineer
Oct 26, 2022

“Amaris Montreal is really open and comprehensive to my ideas and suggestions about my career path.”

alliantgroup, LPalliantgroup, LP
Associate Consultant
May 2, 2022

“Good pay (for experienced hires) and good for people relocating to Houston that don’t know many people.”

Alameda CountyAlameda County
Consultant
Jun 12, 2023

“It all depends who you work for I'm sure but my boss was exceptional and my work was meaningful.”

AgiitoAgiito
Lead Consultant
Sept 27, 2022

“I've made some great friends at work and it's great to be doing a job I enjoy doing.”

Morgan StanleyMorgan Stanley
Senior Consultant
May 30, 2023

“The opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work and make a positive impact have been both rewarding and humbling.”

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Consultant Principal Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of consultants

There is no typical day for a consultant. Since they are often an expert in their field, they spend time advising clients over the phone, by email, or by travelling to their offices. Daily tasks include checking email, client meetings, and delegating tasks.

Consulting can be a very rewarding career that allows a professional to focus on their area of expertise. The hours vary depending on the client, and it often takes you on the road. The advantages of being a consultant are flexibility and freedom.

Consultants can get paid very well. The average pay for consultants in Canada is $108,007 but this can vary depending on your area of expertise, experience, and clients. In some areas, consultants make up to $137,302 a year and more. A first-year consultant averages $84,962.

Working as a consultant is not easy, but it allows for a lot of flexibility. They often work long hours on a project and then have a few days of downtime in between jobs. The challenges of being a consultant are creating your own work structure and holding yourself accountable for results.

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