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Renee, Manager, Supply Chain & Operations at Big 4 Consulting Firm: Advize Career Interview
A mechanical engineering degree and a natural curiosity led to an MBA in supply chain management, a Mattel internship, and a successful career at EY, culminating in a current role as a Manager, Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 consulting firm.
This professional's journey showcases a blend of strong quantitative skills, honed through undergraduate studies and further developed with a master's degree, and exceptional relationship-building abilities.
The daily work is dynamic, involving problem-solving with clients, data analysis, and presentations, both on-site and remotely, impacting businesses at scale.
Challenges faced were overcome by intentional networking and self-branding, highlighting the importance of authenticity and continuous learning.
The interview emphasizes the value of internships, mentorship, and actively seeking opportunities for growth while navigating the complexities of a demanding, yet rewarding, career in a highly competitive field.
The experience of this individual as a Black woman and international student further enriches the narrative, illustrating determination and commitment.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Renee Williams
Manager, Supply Chain & Operations
Big 4 Consulting Firm
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey - MBA Supply Chain Management; MS Business Analytics
Engineering - Mechanical
Professional Services
Consulting
International Student, Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Supply Chain and Operations Manager at a Big 4 Consulting Firm
Renee's career journey began with a mechanical engineering degree, driven by a desire to "impact at scale," and influenced by family expectations. A natural curiosity led to an MBA in supply chain management, a Mattel internship providing corporate experience, and ultimately a progression from senior consultant to manager at EY in their supply chain and operations practice.
Main Responsibilities of a Manager Supply Chain and Operations at Big 4 Consulting Firm
Renee's main responsibilities as a Manager, Supply Chain & Operations involve overseeing "junior resources" on projects and collaborating with senior leaders to "evaluate problems" in clients' supply chains, offering recommendations and implementation support. This highlights a blend of team management and hands-on problem-solving within a consulting environment.
A Day In The Life Of A Supply Chain And Operations Manager At A Big 4 Consulting Firm
A Manager, Supply Chain & Operations professional's day-to-day work is highly variable, shifting from a previously travel-intensive schedule to a current hybrid model involving both on-site client work ("problem solving sessions") and remote collaboration with domestic and international teams. Their typical responsibilities center on "problem solving with the client," data analysis, and iterative presentations to achieve optimal solutions.
Most Important Skills For A Manager, Supply Chain And Operations At Big 4 Consulting Firm
For a supply chain and operations manager at a Big 4 consulting firm, "relationship building" is paramount, requiring "customizing the way that you present your findings" to various internal and client stakeholders. This skill is crucial for navigating a large organization, leveraging internal resources, and ultimately delivering effective solutions, in addition to possessing strong supply chain management knowledge and analytical skills.
Favorite Parts of Being a Manager Supply Chain and Operations at a Big 4 Consulting
Renee's favorite aspect of their role as a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 consulting firm is the variety and impact: "solving problems that have impact at scale" by working with diverse companies and "seeing the real world impact of the work." This allows for continuous learning and engagement through new projects and teams, preventing stagnation.
Biggest Challenges for a Supply Chain and Operations Manager at Big Four Consulting
Renee's biggest challenge transitioning to consulting was adapting from "execution side" industry roles to "advisor side" consulting, requiring a shift to actively pursuing internal projects and "branding" their skills through networking. This involved learning to "interview internally for the different projects" and intentionally sharing expertise, a contrast to the simpler job execution in previous roles.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Consulting As A Manager Supply Chain And Operations
Renee, a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 consulting firm, most enjoys "the people side" of her industry, citing opportunities to work with diverse teams across the US and internationally, coupled with travel that allows exploration of different cities and "subcultures within the US." This enriches Renee's experience beyond the already exciting variety of projects.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry According To A Manager Supply Chain And Operations At A Big 4 Firm
To thrive in consulting, strong relationship-building and analytical skills are crucial, requiring individuals to "really sit with your client, understand their pain points," and master data analysis alongside compelling storytelling through presentations. Continuous learning and professional development, as exemplified by Renee's pursuit of multiple certifications, are also key to navigating the ever-evolving challenges faced by businesses.
What a Supply Chain Operations Manager at a Big 4 firm wishes they knew before entering the Consulting industry
Renee, a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 consulting firm, advises aspiring consultants to prioritize time management and effective communication regarding their capacity. The ability to "convey to the person your interest, but also your bandwidth," by stating constraints and proposing solutions, is crucial for navigating the demanding nature of the field and shaping one's career intentionally.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Supply Chain Managers at Big 4 Firms
Renee, a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 consulting firm, recommends undergraduate students interested in this field pursue "internship opportunities" to "test the waters" before committing full-time. Entry-level roles typically begin at the staff level, progressing through a hierarchical structure to senior manager and partner.
Significant Career Lesson From A Supply Chain Operations Manager At A Big 4 Consulting Firm
Renee, a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 Consulting firm, emphasizes the importance of "being authentic" in one's career, proudly showcasing their Jamaican accent as a way to connect with colleagues and clients. This authenticity, however, is coupled with a need for constant self-reinvention, as illustrated by their journey from a shy, introverted consultant to a confident presenter who actively seeks opportunities for growth.
College Experiences That Helped A Supply Chain Consulting Manager At A Big 4 Firm Succeed
Renee, a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 Consulting Firm, emphasizes the importance of developing a strong quantitative skillset, stating that "I learned to love numbers and analysis," a crucial element for success in their field. This foundational skill, honed during undergraduate engineering studies and further developed with a master's in analytics, proved invaluable for the analytical demands of a consulting career.
How Identity Has Influenced A Supply Chain And Operations Manager At A Big 4 Firm's Career
Renee's career journey, starting in mechanical engineering and continuing into Big 4 consulting, highlights a consistent approach: pursuing passions despite underrepresentation. The professional actively sought mentorship and sponsorship from both similar and dissimilar individuals, emphasizing the importance of paying it forward and believing that "that's what I want to do," irrespective of perceived barriers.
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