Annual Business Planning Consultant – Retail (4‑5 week contract)

About the role

This short‑term consulting assignment supports a leading UK retailer in shaping its 2027 annual business plan. You will work at the intersection of strategy, finance and operations, reporting to the client’s central planning lead.

Key responsibilities

• Design and manage the end‑to‑end annual planning work‑plan, including milestones, dependencies and sign‑off points.
• Establish a light‑touch governance model, decision cadence and senior stakeholder forums.
• Coordinate and synthesize cross‑functional inputs into a single, coherent plan and narrative.
• Develop executive‑level presentation materials and facilitate workshops to drive prioritisation and timely decisions.

Required profile

• Background in strategy consulting or equivalent in‑house strategy or corporate planning roles.
• Proven delivery or support of annual or operating plans in complex, fast‑paced environments.
• Experience in retail or consumer sectors within large, matrix organisations.
• Strong senior stakeholder management, commercial acumen and financial literacy.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid work arrangement (London office and remote).
• Competitive day rate of £600.
• Potential for extension beyond the initial 4‑5 week period.