Management Consultant FAQ

Management Consultant FAQ

Our Management Consultants work side- by-side on a daily basis to ensure front-line managers and supervisors have the appropriate level of coaching

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive along with additional information we believe you will find helpful throughout our interview process.

What is a Management Consultant at DB&A?

A Management Consultant at DB&A is an agent of change. Coaching frontline management in a variety of industries provides a deeper perspective of the day-to-day expectations and pressures companies and leaders face every day. Our full-time Management Consultants are operations business professionals capable of digging deep while actively coaching frontline leaders to transform client organizations into more efficient, profitable, and successful companies.

What is the culture like at DB&A?

DB&A was founded on the philosophy that “we are keepers of the truth.” This belief has led our company to consistently operate with a very client-centric culture and approach, hence the incorporation of our financial guarantee associated with our services. Our culture is one that values integrity, a superior work ethic, accountability, tenacity, and results.

What type of clients does DB&A work with?

DB&A partners with Fortune 100, 500 and 1000 companies throughout various industries around the globe.

How much travel is required?

This position requires 100% travel Sunday through Friday year-round. Monday through Thursday are full workdays and after working a few hours onsite Friday morning, the project team departs for the airport around 10am. The timeframes in which Management Consultants depart on Sundays will vary based on project demands. It is preferred that Management Consultants reside near a major airport.

How are travel arrangements coordinated?

Flight costs are covered by DB&A and booked through our internal travel site, Concur. The time and parameters in which Management Consultants coordinate flights in and out of project cities will be determined and communicated by the Project Manager. All miles earned belong to each Management Consultant for personal use.

 

Hotel reservations are coordinated by a project team member. Hotel charges are expensed and reimbursed biweekly by all project team members. Project teams reside at the same hotel and commute to the project, hotel and airport together.

 

Rental car reservations are made via Concur, and arrangements are determined based on the project team structure. Rental car charges are expensed and reimbursed biweekly.

What is the career progression and how is performance evaluated?

The Management Consultant career track includes 4 tiers:

 

  • On-boarding Management Consultant [90 Day Training Period]: $85,000
  • Management Consultant: $87,000 – $92,000
  • Senior Consultant: $97,000 – $110,000
  • Principal Consultant: $120,000 – 140,000 + annual bonus of 9% – 13%
  • Project Manager: $125,000 – $160,000 + annual bonus of 9% – 17%

 

*The Project Manager career path is available for top performers interested in a management role that consistently delivers superior results. 

 

Competency assessments are performance evaluations that Management Consultants receive when they are assigned to a project for a minimum of 8 weeks. These performance reviews are scored on a specific scale and used to determine annual merit-based increases/promotions. For annual merit- based increases, the most recent completed project review score will be used in the annual review process upon a Management Consultant’s anniversary.

Is there a per diem? If so, what are the details?

All employees are eligible for per diem when assigned and staying at the project hotel. The per diem is $590 biweekly to assist with food expenses. A parking/transportation allowance of $180 biweekly is provided for weekly transportation to and from the airport.

What benefits does DB&A offer?

Health Benefits: Medical, FSA, HSA, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability. DB&A covers 100% of employee only medical premiums (basic PPO or HSA). Dental and vision benefits are employee paid. All benefits become effective the 1st day following 45 days of employment.

 

401(k): Employees qualify to participate 6 months after joining DB&A and will go active on the first day of the following quarter.

 

Paid Time Off: Employees receive 1 week of vacation after 4 months of employment and will continue to accrue up to 2 weeks. At 60 days of employment, 5 days of PTO will be made available. Unlike vacation, PTO can be carried over to the next year, with a maximum of 2 weeks annually.

 

Work Life Balance:

DB&A recognizes the commitment and sacrifices made by Management Consultants due to the 100% travel requirement. To support a better work-life balance, weekend travel flexibility is available, including companion travel or destination travel. Management Consultants may choose to fly a guest into their project city or may choose to visit another destination other than their home city. This must be preplanned 3 weeks in advance with the Project Manager to ensure travel accommodations are coordinated. Management Consultants may remain in the project site city over weekends rather than returning home if they choose. As mentioned on page one, all travel points and rewards gained may be utilized as desired by the Management Consultant.

Do I need consulting experience to succeed?

At DB&A, we hire superior talent stemming from various management backgrounds. Our Management Consultants are provided with the fundamental tools and training required to execute DB&A’s proven methodologies. The commonalities shared among every Management Consultant encompass an adaptive, astute, collaborative, and consultative mindset. We seek driven business professionals who possess a high technical, analytical, and numerical reasoning aptitude. It’s not required to have consulting or industry specific experience. We pride ourselves on preparing our Management Consultants for the exposure they will experience in the field.

How is DB&A different than other consulting firms?

Our methodologies are primarily behavior focused and geared toward influencing a more proactive and accountable management culture. Our Management Consultants work side-by-side on a daily basis to ensure frontline managers and supervisors have the appropriate level of coaching and guidance necessary to support the changes required to achieve dramatic improvements in quality, service, and profitability. Another distinctive characteristic about DB&A is the integrity in the quality and results provided to our clients. DB&A financially guarantees the project deliverables agreed upon, typically providing a 2:1 ROI.

Learn More Here

How are project assignments determined and will I have a choice of preference?

Project assignments are determined by client business needs, project scope, budget, industry/functional experience, skill-sets and capabilities. DB&A’s goal is to assign you to a project that will expose you to new industries and will allow you to further your skill-sets, capabilities, and career.

What are the hours/work schedule?

Management Consultants are subject to the work environments, schedule and hours of the client company to which they are assigned. This may include 12-hour shifts, off shifts, 10-4’s (10 days on, 4 days off), weekends and/or holidays. Project teams observe the holiday schedules of their client.

What is the organizational structure of a project?

Projects are typically 6-month, on-site engagements composed of a Chief of Operations, a Project Manager and a project team of 4-8 Management Consultants of varying experience levels.

 

On-boarding Consultants will join a project that is already in its life cycle. For example, a project that is in its early stages or even midway to completion.

 

Chief of Operations are responsible for C-level client engagements and ensuring the overall success of the project in efforts to secure repeat business. They are also fully engaged in the development of future leaders of DB&A.

 

Project Managers are responsible for all facets of the project. They create and implement business strategies, provide leadership to project team members, and oversee the day-to-day operations.

 

Principal Consultants are considered an SME and internal leader among the project team. They must possess mastery of the core/analytical tools and the implementation process in all client situations and effectively develop strategies at a macro level. Must also have capability of running small project teams.

 

Senior Consultants are responsible for leading internal colleagues, coaching manager level clients to translate conclusions into action plans and execute strategic decisions. They must also master the 15 Steps of Area Development, develop/integrate the most effective DB&A tools based on client needs and fluently relate actions to metric movements.

 

Management Consultants are primarily responsible for successfully mentoring a small group of clients to obtain desired performance outcomes. They must also be effective in leading discussions, remaining neutral, and guiding versus driving conversations to translate verbal and non-verbal cues to ensure client compliance.

 

On-boarding Management Consultants are required to learn the fundamentals and methodologies and how they are applicable to their day-to-day responsibilities. They will utilize these tools to help successfully complete their first 90 days of employment.

What is the dress code?

Standard company dress code is business casual and followed on projects, during orientation and while traveling. Men may wear slacks or khakis with a collared, button-down shirt. Men are permitted to have a mustache, but beards and goatees are not allowed.

 

Women may wear slacks or khakis with a blouse or collared, button-down shirt. During orientation, skirts and dresses may be worn. Projects may require personal protective equipment and will be outlined by the designated Project Manager prior to deploying.

Will a laptop or other devices be provided?

DB&A is a bring your own device company and does not provide a company laptop or cell phone. Management Consultants must provide their own devices. There is no preferred make or model of laptop or specific software required. iPads and tablets cannot be substituted for a laptop. DB&A provides the complete Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. This software is provided before orientation for easy download and installation.

What type of training is required?

Orientation is hosted at DB&A’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX. The week consists of formal classroom training, including live video facilitation by Project Managers and Chief of Operations, team exercises and presentations. After Orientation, the remainder of the 90-day on-boarding period will consist of hands-on, on the job training, shadowing and directly working with the Project Manager and project colleagues. In addition to the field training, on-boarding Management Consultants are provided supplemental online-based training consisting of informational learning documents, videos, quizzes, assignments, and tasks to be completed.

What happens in between projects and when I don’t have a project to go to?

Business and project requirements will fluctuate based on the progress as well as the analysis calendar and forecast. When Management Consultants are not assigned to a project, they are considered “unassigned” or “on the beach.” This is typical in consulting and should not yield concerns regarding job security or stability. At DB&A, Management Consultants are full-time, salaried employees and compensated biweekly regardless of assignment status.

What does the day to day look like? What will I be doing each day?

A day in the life of a Management Consultant varies from project to project. A typical day would involve project team huddles, area tours, workshops, internal meetings and strategy sessions with project colleagues.

 

Though every project differs, the graphic below offers a skeleton overview of what a day in the field may look like for a Management Consultant.

Will I have the opportunity to work international assignments?

DB&A has delivered superior results around the globe, including locations in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Although the majority of our projects are domestic, the opportunity for international assignments is available and completely voluntary. As previously mentioned, project assignments are determined by a number of variables including language skills; however, Management Consultants have the ability to opt in or out of international assignments at any time. The typical schedule for international projects is 3 weeks on and 1 week off with the same travel flexibility options as domestic projects.

What is the interview process?

Our interview process is very thorough as we seek to hire the best talent aligned with our company values. Our process consists of 6 steps. The hiring process and time frame can vary, although average is approximately 3-5 weeks.

 

Recruiter Phone Screen: A Corporate Recruiter will connect with you on a personal level to learn about your professional background, capabilities, and aspirations.

 

Recruiter Follow-up: Open dialogue with your designated recruiter to share concerns or ask any follow up questions and to understand if you are interested in proceeding to next steps.

 

Leadership Phone Interview: The VP of Administration will connect with you to ask questions regarding your accomplishments to understand your analytical and management processes, learn about your achievements, and obtain more insight on how you utilize metrics to drive results.

 

Operations Panel Interview: This is a video conference with the Chief of HR and two Project Managers and will drive more into your behavioral leadership. For example, how you solve problems, influence your employees, communication style, ability to collaborate with others, and numerical reasoning capabilities.

 

HR Team Touchpoint: This is an introductory and informative touchpoint call with the HR Team to communicate final details regarding the conclusion of the hiring process, orientation information and expectations, and clarify or address any additional questions prior to formal hire.

 

Final In-person Interview: The final interview will be an in-person interview with the Chief of HR or VP of Administration.

“I joined DB&A with more than 15 years of manufacturing management experience & thought I knew a lot about leadership & management.  However, my short time with DB&A has shown & taught me a different perspective in which I have been challenged to continuously develop myself with the help of my leaders & team members to become the best Management Consultant possible.”

Brandon
Senior Consultant

“When I first joined the team, I was intrigued about the opportunity for several reasons, including the ability to learn about new industries, travel to new locations, and, most importantly, continue my development as both a business professional and a leader.”

Chris
Senior Consultant

“Prior to joining DB&A, I did not anticipate a career in consulting.  I was an operations guy who was quite comfortable in the corporate life. Growing into my role at DB&A has allowed me to expand on understanding the relationship between management behaviors and results. Developing an understanding that improving behaviors is the most sustainable path to success is something that I will keep with me for the long haul.”

Jason
Senior Consultant

FAQ

What is a Management Consultant at DB&A?

A Management Consultant at DB&A is an agent of change. Coaching frontline management in a variety of industries provides a deeper perspective of the day-to-day expectations and pressures companies and leaders face every day. Our full-time Management Consultants are operations business professionals capable of digging deep while actively coaching frontline leaders to transform client organizations into more efficient, profitable, and successful companies.

What is the culture like at DB&A?

DB&A was founded on the philosophy that “we are keepers of the truth.” This belief has led our company to consistently operate with a very client-centric culture and approach, hence the incorporation of our financial guarantee associated with our services. Our culture is one that values integrity, a superior work ethic, accountability, tenacity, and results.

What is the interview process?

Our interview process is very thorough as we seek to hire the best talent aligned with our company values. Our process consists of 6 steps. The hiring process and time frame can vary, although average is approximately 3-5 weeks.

 

Recruiter Phone Screen: A Corporate Recruiter will connect with you on a personal level to learn about your professional background, capabilities, and aspirations.

 

Recruiter Follow-up: Open dialogue with your designated recruiter to share concerns or ask any follow up questions and to understand if you are interested in proceeding to next steps.

 

Leadership Phone Interview: The VP of Administration will connect with you to ask questions regarding your accomplishments to understand your analytical and management processes, learn about your achievements, and obtain more insight on how you utilize metrics to drive results.

 

Operations Panel Interview: This is a video conference with the Chief of HR and two Project Managers and will drive more into your behavioral leadership. For example, how you solve problems, influence your employees, communication style, ability to collaborate with others, and numerical reasoning capabilities.

 

HR Team Touchpoint: This is an introductory and informative touchpoint call with the HR Team to communicate final details regarding the conclusion of the hiring process, orientation information and expectations, and clarify or address any additional questions prior to formal hire.

 

Final In-person Interview: The final interview will be an in-person interview with the Chief of HR or VP of Administration.

How much travel is required?

This position requires 100% travel Sunday through Friday year-round. Monday through Thursday are full workdays and after working a few hours onsite Friday morning, the project team departs for the airport around 10am. The timeframes in which Management Consultants depart on Sundays will vary based on project demands. It is preferred that Management Consultants reside near a major airport.

Will I have the opportunity to work international assignments?

DB&A has delivered superior results around the globe, including locations in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Although the majority of our projects are domestic, the opportunity for international assignments is available and completely voluntary. As previously mentioned, project assignments are determined by a number of variables including language skills; however, Management Consultants have the ability to opt in or out of international assignments at any time. The typical schedule for international projects is 3 weeks on and 1 week off with the same travel flexibility options as domestic projects.

What are the hours/work schedule?

Management Consultants are subject to the work environments, schedule and hours of the client company to which they are assigned. This may include 12-hour shifts, off shifts, 10-4’s (10 days on, 4 days off), weekends and/or holidays. Project teams observe the holiday schedules of their client.

What type of clients does DB&A work with?

DB&A partners with Fortune 100, 500 and 1000 companies throughout various industries around the globe.

How is DB&A different than other consulting firms?

Our methodologies are primarily behavior focused and geared toward influencing a more proactive and accountable management culture. Our Management Consultants work side-by-side on a daily basis to ensure frontline managers and supervisors have the appropriate level of coaching and guidance necessary to support the changes required to achieve dramatic improvements in quality, service, and profitability. Another distinctive characteristic about DB&A is the integrity in the quality and results provided to our clients. DB&A financially guarantees the project deliverables agreed upon, typically providing a 2:1 ROI.

Learn More Here

Do I need consulting experience to succeed?

At DB&A, we hire superior talent stemming from various management backgrounds. Our Management Consultants are provided with the fundamental tools and training required to execute DB&A’s proven methodologies. The commonalities shared among every Management Consultant encompass an adaptive, astute, collaborative, and consultative mindset. We seek driven business professionals who possess a high technical, analytical, and numerical reasoning aptitude. It’s not required to have consulting or industry specific experience. We pride ourselves on preparing our Management Consultants for the exposure they will experience in the field.

What is the career progression and how is performance evaluated?

At DB&A, our people are our greatest asset which is why we believe strongly in the internal growth and development of our employees. Our employees have the opportunity to drive their careers based on performance and contributions.

We offer a four-tier Consultant Career Track and a Project Manager Career Track with the ability to advance from Senior Consultant to Project Manager. As a Project Manager, there is further advancement potential to become a Chief of Operations and/or a Shareholder at DB&A.

Our remarkable team consists of highly competitive and committed business professionals who are passionate about building life-long rewarding careers with us.

The Management Consultant career track includes 4 tiers:

  • On-boarding Management Consultant [90 Day Training Period]
  • Management Consultant
  • Senior Consultant
  • Principal Consultant
  • Project Manager

 

*The Project Manager career path is available for top performers interested in a management role that consistently delivers superior results. 

 

Competency assessments are performance evaluations that Management Consultants receive when they are assigned to a project for a minimum of 8 weeks. These performance reviews are scored on a specific scale and used to determine annual merit-based increases/promotions. For annual merit- based increases, the most recent completed project review score will be used in the annual review process upon a Management Consultant’s anniversary.

What type of training is required?

Orientation is hosted at DB&A’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX. The week consists of formal classroom training, including live video facilitation by Project Managers and Chief of Operations, team exercises and presentations. After Orientation, the remainder of the 90-day on-boarding period will consist of hands-on, on the job training, shadowing and directly working with the Project Manager and project colleagues. In addition to the field training, on-boarding Management Consultants are provided supplemental online-based training consisting of informational learning documents, videos, quizzes, assignments, and tasks to be completed.