Engagement Manager - CORE

Hatch · Johannesburg, Gauteng

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This role combines project and client leadership, commercial ownership, and people development, acting as the primary day-to-day interface with clients while leading consulting teams to deliver measurable operational outcomes.
The role is comparable to a Manager role in a top-tier or boutique management consulting firm, with increasing responsibility for engagement ownership and practice growth.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement Ownership & Delivery Leadership

Own end-to-end delivery of Operational Readiness & Ramp-Up engagements, from mobilisation through stabilisation
Translate client objectives into clear engagement strategies, scopes, and delivery plans
Manage delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment across people, process, systems, operating model, and governance
Take accountability for engagement outcomes, quality, timelines, and commercial performance
Proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies, and change across complex client environments

Client Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Serve as the primary day-to-day client lead, building trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders
Lead steering committees, executive forums, and decision-making sessions
Provide clear, pragmatic advice grounded in operational realities and best practice
Navigate complex stakeholder dynamics to drive alignment and decision-making

Team Leadership & Mentorship

Lead, motivate, and develop high-performing consulting teams
Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback to Senior Consultants, Consultants, and Analysts
Create a strong learning culture focused on delivery excellence, accountability, and professional growth
Identify capability gaps and support targeted development and mentoring plans

Business Development & Commercial Responsibility

Lead and contribute to business development activities, including:
Shaping client opportunities and scopes of work
Developing proposals, pricing, and value propositions
Presenting to clients and supporting go/no-go decisions
Identify and convert follow-on opportunities within existing engagements
Build and maintain a strong understanding of client priorities, industry trends, and operational challenges
Contribute to pipeline development and revenue growth targets

Practice & Capability Development

Contribute to the evolution of the Operational Readiness & Ramp-Up practice, including:
Methodologies, tools, templates, and delivery standards
Thought leadership and market-facing content
Support continuous improvement of ways of working and delivery excellence
Act as a role model for consulting behaviours, values, and client impact

Experience & Qualifications

Required Experience

8–12 years' experience in management consulting, advisory, or professional services
Proven experience as an engagement or project manager leading consulting teams and complex client engagements
Demonstrated experience in:
Operational Readiness and ramp-up to stable operations
Operating model design and operational transitions
Managing multiple workstreams and stakeholders
Strong track record across both delivery and business development
Complex operating industries e.g. mining, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing is strongly preferred
Availability to travel as required to support client engagements at project sites, including international locations.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and team management capability
Excellent client-facing, facilitation, and influencing skills
Advanced problem-solving and structured thinking
Strong commercial acumen and financial awareness
High-quality written and verbal communication, including executive-level storytelling
Ability to operate confidently in ambiguous and fast-paced environments

Personal Attributes

Success Measures First 12–24 Months