Aimed at senior-level consulting professionals with deep expertise in consumer insights and strategy who lead project teams and build long-term client relationships. This hybrid role in Chicago emphasizes strategic leadership and innovation in methodologies.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Mintel
The Principal Consultant serves as a strategic partner to a select portfolio of key clients, acting as an extension of their marketing, consumer insights, innovation, strategy, and brand teams. This role provides thought leadership, designs and leads custom research initiatives, and delivers actionable recommendations that help clients make informed business decisions and accelerate growth.
As a senior individual contributor, the Principal Consultant has no direct line management responsibility but is expected to lead project teams, mentor colleagues, and contribute to the development and scalability of Mintel Consulting's capabilities and methodologies.
This is a Hybrid position based in Chicago.
Key Responsibilities:
Client Partnership & Strategic Leadership
Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to assigned client accounts
Build and maintain strong relationships with directors, vice presidents, and C-suite stakeholders
Provide proactive guidance on consumer, category, brand, and market opportunities
Act as the primary point of contact for client ideation, quality control, and project enhancement discussions
Develop innovative consulting approaches that expand client relationships and increase engagement scope
Solution Architecture & Business Development
Design comprehensive consulting solutions that address client objectives, challenges, and growth opportunities
Lead the development of proposals and consulting engagements
Partner closely with Commercial teams to identify opportunities for growth, retention, and expanded client impact
Develop new methodologies and solutions that strengthen Mintel Consulting's market position and consulting capabilities
Research & Project Leadership
Lead the full lifecycle of consulting engagements from opportunity identification and proposal development through execution and delivery
Design and oversee custom qualitative and quantitative research programs
Ensure projects are executed to established quality, timeline, and budget expectations
Conduct and synthesize secondary research, market intelligence, and competitive analysis
Translate complex data into clear business implications and strategic recommendations
Monitor industry, consumer, category, and competitive developments to inform client strategies
Executive Communication & Presentation
Deliver compelling presentations and facilitate strategic discussions with senior client stakeholders
Develop concise, evidence-based narratives supported by meaningful insights
Present actionable recommendations with clear business implications
Effectively manage challenging discussions and respond to executive-level questions
Leadership & Capability Development
Lead cross-functional project teams to consistently deliver high-quality consulting outcomes
Mentor and support consultants and junior team members across the organization
Share expertise, best practices, and methodologies to strengthen consulting capabilities
Contribute to the development of scalable tools, frameworks, and consulting offerings
Qualifications:
Required Experience
Minimum 15 years of professional experience in consulting, advertising, strategy, brand planning, consumer insights, competitive intelligence, or related fields
Experience within a research, consulting, strategy, or agency environment
Demonstrated success leading complex client engagements and strategic initiatives
Proven ability to present recommendations to executive and C-suite audiences
Experience developing commercial proposals and growing client relationships
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Advanced analytical and insight development skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
Ability to translate high-level strategic concepts into practical recommendations
Strong client relationship management and stakeholder influence skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in fast-paced environments
Demonstrated innovation in developing new products, services, methodologies, or ways of working
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets
The below reflects the range of base salary for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and qualifications. The salary range for this role is: $96,000 USD to $120,000 USD.
Alongside salary, Mintel offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employer paid life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match and paid time off. We are invested in our employees' wellbeing which is why we also offer flexible working hours, ClassPass subsidy, mental health benefit through Modern Health, paid volunteer time off, paid birthday leave and paid parental leave.
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Source: Mintel careers