Head of Consulting

About IWSR

IWSR is the leading source of data and analysis on the global beverage alcohol market. Our research and consulting teams work with the world's biggest drinks companies, helping them understand market trends, consumer behaviour and growth opportunities across every major category and region. IWSR is part of WGSN, the world's leading consumer trend forecaster, bringing together deep beverage alcohol expertise with global trend forecasting and data science capability.

About Role

We are looking for a Head of Consulting to lead IWSR's global consulting and bespoke consumer research practice. This is one of the most senior commercial leadership roles in the business, spanning strategic consulting and consumer research, with full P&L accountability. You will lead a team of around 20 people worldwide and act as a credible external face for IWSR at client and industry level, including press and major industry events.

You will report to the SVP of Mindset & Global Accounts, working closely with the wider leadership team, and will take on the role at a pivotal moment as the practice's scope continues to grow from a European consulting base into a truly global mandate.

What You'll Do

● Own the strategic direction and commercial performance of IWSR's global consulting and consumer research practice, with full P&L responsibility.
● Lead, develop and grow a team of around 20 consulting and research professionals across multiple regions.
● Build and maintain senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to the world's leading beverage alcohol companies.
● Drive new business development, identifying and winning new consulting mandates alongside the existing client base.
● Represent IWSR externally at industry events, in the press and in senior client presentations.
● Work closely with the SVP of Mindset & Global Accounts and the wider leadership team to shape the future direction of the practice.

What We're Looking For

We're primarily looking for a consultant first: someone who has built their career in strategic or commercial consulting, ideally with beverage alcohol or wider FMCG client experience, or who can clearly demonstrate the ability to onboard quickly into a new sector.

Requirements

● Proven track record as a Director or Principal at a strategy or boutique consultancy.
● Experience leading client-facing engagements and owning senior relationships.
● P&L or revenue ownership in a current or recent role.
● Experience leading teams of 10 or more people.
● Strong executive presence, confident presenting to C-suite audiences, clients and media.
● Track record of winning and running commercial or advisory mandates.

Nice to Have

● Direct exposure to beverage alcohol or FMCG clients, even if partial.
● Experience scaling a team beyond 10 people, or managing teams across multiple regions.
● A track record of representing a business externally, for example press, panels or industry events.
● Experience operating in a global or multi-market consulting mandate.

We would also welcome applications from senior operators within the beverage alcohol industry who have made a deliberate pivot into consulting or commercial advisory work, and who can demonstrate strong client-facing and commercial mandate experience alongside category expertise.

Benefits: In addition to a competitive salary, IWSR offers

• Generous time off: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and a company-wide end-of-year break.

• Flexible work environment: Hybrid working model 3 days a week in office with flexible hours.

• Comprehensive perks: Annual bonus scheme, pension, regular social events, and a volunteering policy.

• Growth opportunities: Lots of learning and development opportunities