Management Consultant Kaitohutohu Whakahaere

Management consultants work with organisations to solve problems and recommend improvements to strengthen business performance.

Management consultants may become members of the Institute of Management Consultants New Zealand (IMCNZ) and apply for a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification, which is recognised internationally.

IMCNZ offer mentoring and training to young, aspiring management consultants. 

Management consultants may do some or all of the following:

  • meet with clients and do research to understand an organisation
  • discuss the problems or issues an organisation is facing
  • research solutions and improvements that can be made
  • prepare business reports, proposals and presentations
  • provide clients with solutions and strategies to reach those solutions.

Management consultants who are self-employed also need to develop, market and run their business.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for management consultants includes:

  • a senior role in a specific field such as law
  • work in an organisation that does consulting
  • management experience
  • experience in human resources, law or marketing.

Personal Qualities

Management consultants need to be:

  • analytical, with problem-solving skills
  • motivated
  • resilient and able to cope with stress
  • excellent communicators
  • skilled in managing relationships
  • methodical and organised
  • able to work well alone and in a team.

Skills

Management consultants need to have:

  • specialist knowledge of the field they work in, such as commerce or law
  • knowledge of relevant laws
  • knowledge of business and technology systems 
  • interviewing and research skills
  • management and leadership skills
  • change management skills
  • relationship management skills
  • presentation skills.

Conditions

Management consultants:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may also work evenings and weekends
  • work in offices
  • often travel to meet and work with clients.

Subject Recommendations

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include English, maths, accounting and business studies.

Related Courses

Management Consultants can earn around $61K-$71K per year.

Pay for management consultants varies depending on their skills, experience, the organisation they work for and where it's located.

  • Management consultants with up to four years' experience usually earn $61,000 to $71,000 a year.
  • Management consultants with more experience can earn between $66,000 and $102,000.

Pay for self-employed management consultants depends on the success of their business.

Source: careers.govt.nz research; Hays, 'Salary Guide, 2023 - 2024', 2023; and Seek, 2023.

Management consultants working for large consulting businesses may progress into managerial or partnership positions. Some may start their own business. 

Years Of Training

3 years of training usually required.

To become a management consultant you usually need to have a relevant tertiary qualification such as a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Laws.

Management Consultant