Senior Consultant, SPI

AArete is a global, innovative management and technology consulting firm with offices in the U.S. and India. Our name comes from the Greek word for excellence, and we strive to embody that in everything we do. Celebrating our fourth year as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Management Consulting Firms, our success is driven by our people and our “Culture of Care,” which prioritizes holistic employee experiences, career development, and competitive life and wellness benefits.

About the role

AArete is seeking a dynamic Senior Consultant with experience supporting healthcare payer organizations, focusing on supply chain, procurement, and cost optimization. This role blends analytical problem-solving with hands-on execution, supporting initiatives such as strategic sourcing, vendor management, and operational efficiency improvement. As a Senior Consultant, you will bring a strong analytical mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to excellence. You thrive in collaborative environments and are energized by solving complex, ambiguous business challenges for healthcare clients.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute workstreams by identifying innovative solutions through data analysis, research, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Lead initiatives focused on procurement optimization, strategic sourcing, and vendor management within healthcare payer environments.
• Conduct spend analysis and category assessments to identify cost savings opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Evaluate supplier performance, contract structures, and pricing models to support improved financial and operational outcomes.
• Support RFP processes, vendor selection, and contract negotiations.
• Develop business cases and financial models to quantify impact and support decision-making.
• Analyze complex datasets, including spend data, vendor performance metrics, and healthcare cost drivers (medical, pharmacy, and administrative).
• Deliver actionable recommendations and support implementation of operational and cost optimization initiatives.
• Establish strong stakeholder rapport and own client communications, including presenting analytical findings and recommendations.
• Develop and deliver clear, compelling presentations with a focus on structured storytelling and executive-level communication.
• Facilitate client meetings, working sessions, and problem-solving discussions with increasing independence.
• Mentor and guide Analysts and Consultants by modeling strong problem-solving, communication, and accountability.
• Ask insightful questions to uncover root causes, challenge assumptions, and identify new opportunities.
• Support broader consulting engagements across strategy, operations, and performance improvement as needed.

Requirements

• 4+ years of consulting experience, with progressive responsibility and client-facing delivery.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience supporting procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or vendor management initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience driving cost reduction, spend optimization, or operational improvement efforts.
• Strong analytical skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; working knowledge of SQL is a plus.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and translating findings into actionable insights.
• Ability to own workstreams, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in ambiguous environments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with client stakeholders.
• High self-motivation, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to balance attention to detail with a broader strategic perspective.
• Able to see the big picture while navigating ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Exceptional independent judgment and decision-making skills, especially in client-facing environments.
• Creative and innovative problem-solving abilities with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong project and process management skills, with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Cultural flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with confidence and maintain executive presence with both client and internal stakeholders.
• Willingness to engage in direct client interaction, including travel to client locations, when required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with the healthcare industry, specifically with payers.
• Experience in procurement, supply chain transformation, or vendor strategy.
• Familiarity with payer vendor ecosystems, including third-party service providers.
• Experience supporting strategic sourcing, category management, or contract analysis initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable cost savings or efficiency improvements.
• Experience with AArete’s other focus industries: Pharmacy, Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Higher Ed, or Technology & Professional Services.
• Based in Chicago, IL, and flexible to work from our Chicago office as needed.

Benefits

• Flexible PTO, monthly half-day refuels, volunteer time off, 10 paid holidays.
• Own Your Day flexible work policy.
• Competitive majority employer-paid benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match.
• Generous paid parental leave options.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
• Charitable contribution matching program.
• New client commission opportunities and referral bonus program.
• Bike share discount program.

Pay

The estimated base salary range for this position is $105,000 – $125,000. In addition to this base salary, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This range is part of a competitive, total compensation package together with majority employer-paid benefits and incentive pay for eligible roles.