Innovation Consultant (Strategy and Transformation)

The Role's Purpose

We are seeking a Consultant with experience in strategy, transformation or advisory consulting (e.g. Big4 or strategy consulting) to support the delivery of complex programmes, operating models and strategic initiatives for our clients.

The role focuses on providing practical consulting support to organisations tackling strategic, operational and innovation challenges. This includes contributing to strategy development, supporting operating model design, assisting in transformation delivery and strengthening governance and delivery structures.

You will work across multiple engagements, analysing problems, developing insights and contributing to clear, practical recommendations for stakeholders. A key aspect of the role involves supporting work at the intersection of innovation and policy, helping organisations understand and apply emerging technologies such as AI, cyber, quantum, biotechnology and advanced digital capabilities.

You will work with stakeholders across industry, government and academia to support programme development and delivery, particularly in innovation ecosystems and technology adoption.

More broadly, you will contribute to Plexal’s wider consulting activity, supporting the development of programmes, initiatives and investment propositions aligned to emerging technology opportunities.

Plexal is a rapidly growing organisation, and we are looking for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and solving complex problems.

What You'll Do

• Support the delivery of strategic advice on complex programmes, organisational challenges and transformation initiatives.
• Analyse issues and contribute to the development of clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Assist in developing business cases and investment propositions.
• Support the design and implementation of operating models, including governance and delivery structures.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of transformation programmes and major initiatives.
• Support programme governance, PMO activities and delivery assurance processes.
• Work with stakeholders across government, industry and academia to support programme development and delivery.
• Deliver high-quality analysis and outputs, and contribute to business development activities where appropriate.

Your Skills

Essential

• Experience working in consulting, advisory or complex programme environments (e.g. strategy consulting, Big4 or public sector advisory).
• Experience supporting strategy development, transformation programmes or organisational change initiatives.
• Ability to structure problems, analyse information and contribute to clear recommendations.
• Some experience or exposure to operating model design, governance frameworks or programme delivery structures.
• Experience supporting programmes or transformation initiatives, including PMO or governance activities.
• Experience contributing to business cases or investment propositions.
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders across organisations.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in fast-paced environments.

Desirable

• Experience working within innovation ecosystems or technology-driven environments, particularly across emerging or frontier technologies such as AI, cyber, quantum, biotechnology or advanced digital capabilities.
• Public safety or emergency services organisations.
• Policing or law enforcement environments.
• Home affairs, homeland security or border-related organisations.
• Defence or national security environments.

Your Experience

• Interest in innovation, technology and emerging sectors (e.g. AI, cyber, quantum, biotechnology, IoT).
• Comfortable working in a collaborative consulting environment with changing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to work through ambiguity.
• Resilient and able to remain focused while supporting complex programmes and challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills when working across teams and stakeholders.

Who You Are

• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and operating in constantly changing environment.
• Energised by the challenges and opportunities presented working for a highgrowth company.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Team player and motivated self-starter who can take initiative with workload and tasks.
• Passionate interest in digital and emerging technologies with a drive to continually learn.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to high-quality outputs.
• Interest in innovation, technology and emerging sectors (e.g. AI, cyber, quantum, biotechnology).
• Higher Education degree, or relevant professional certifications, or equivalent knowledge gained via work experience.
• May require business travel across Plexal sites.
• May require a set number of days on client sites.
• Ability to manage and influence through both face-to-face and virtual team environments.
• You will be asked to undergo Security Clearance (min. requirement: British Citizen or min. of 5-year residency in country, no significant gaps out of UK). Pre-existing SC or NPPV2/NPPV3 welcomed.

Why us?

As a start-up, we thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment dedicated to empowering innovators. We embrace individuals who leverage technology and creativity to tackle our greatest challenges head-on. We strongly advocate for maintaining a harmonious work-life balance, our goal is to ensure every member of our team can authentically be themselves and live their best lives. We firmly believe that innovation and creativity flourish when we cultivate a diverse workforce, comprising highly skilled individuals with a wide range of perspectives to contribute.

In return we will offer you:

• Salary: Circa £55,000 depending on skills and experience
• Annual bonus scheme
• A generous pension scheme (with a company contribution of up to 10%)
• Private healthcare, life assurance and critical illness cover
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Volunteering day

Plexal is an equal opportunities employer and we actively encourage applicants from individuals from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Committed employer and are willing to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.