Independent Experts Wanted: why there's rising demand for senior freelancers to lead projects at top consulting firms

Staffing models across all industries have undergone seismic shifts in recent years. Consulting is no exception. And where previously, senior project expertise was drawn from in-house talent, now consultancies - from boutiques to top strategy houses - are turning to the independent market for solutions. 

We look at the reasons behind this shift, and the benefits - for both independent experts and consultancies - of working together. 
 

Why the shift? 

Changes in investment approaches

Over the last 10 years Private Equity and Venture Capital firms have become more and more hands-on with their portfolios, emphasising value add activities, transformation and turnaround. 

Already high pre-Covid, market demand for expert-level interim leaders, with a track record of successfully implementing change, rose significantly during the pandemic; and in the context of mass hiring freezes, independent experts became, for many, the only available solution. 

And post-pandemic, as direct access to this independent talent pool becomes increasingly easy, consultancies are keenly aware that, in order to remain competitive, they must continue to take a flexible approach to expert-level staffing.  
 

Freelancing is the new normal for senior experts

The Covid-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of remote and hybrid working. It also prompted many people to re-examine their lives and careers.

Many senior-level experts who were made redundant and started freelancing by necessity, have chosen not to return to permanent employment. And, attracted by the flexibility, day rates and varied project opportunities, an increasing number of their peers are joining them every day. 

Freelancing has become the new normal for senior experts from consulting and industry alike. 
 

Increasingly complex project needs 

The paradigm shift to digital, increasingly complex data landscapes, and the speed of market change, mean project leadership requirements are invariably niche and hyper-specialised. The list of ‘must-have’ skills is growing - and changing - all the time, which makes it tough for consultancies to plan and execute senior hiring, particularly as the pool of top talent willing to consider permanent roles is shrinking. 

Fortunately there are many benefits, for both sides of the equation, in bringing external experts on to projects to advise, organise and execute. In adapting senior staffing models to favour flexibility and responsiveness. In engaging exactly the right people, at exactly the right time. 

Why it’s a win-win

Cross-pollination
 

External experts bring fresh energy, new leadership styles and alternative approaches to projects (as well as having the opportunity to learn from different perspectives and experience themselves). 

External experts can also help to build internal knowledge and up-skill teams. This is particularly important in a post-pandemic context where many junior consultants are opting for portfolio careers after only a few years in a permanent role. Training and development opportunities will be fundamental in attracting and retaining the best fresh talent, and input from external senior experts is already playing a key role. 

Finally, most independent experts come with impressive networks of their own, meaning consultancies can often bypass the need to go to the market / engage in lengthy processes with recruiters if additional help on a project is required.
 

Increased client confidence

Client buy-in is fundamental for project success. A team led by a hand-picked, seasoned expert, who has years of relevant skill and industry experience - the exact combination required to drive success -  will naturally increase your client's confidence in your ability to deliver.
 

Decreased sales pressure on independent experts

As well as consuming a significant part of a freelancer’s non-project time, winning work can be a major source of stress. Working in partnership with a big brand who can share (or fully take) the weight of a sales process, is an attractive prospect for many freelancers. 
 

"Consultancies are more imaginative in their sourcing now - much more open to blended teams of employees and freelance specialists. Particularly in digital contexts. It’s good. It helps freelancers because there’s a big name backing them and winning the work, and it means consulting firms can draw from a far broader landscape of experts, and better meet client needs."
Ranjit Patel, Choix Network

Choix connects the buy and sell sides of consulting, providing fair and transparent choice for all. If you want to talk to us about a project, or you’re looking to connect with our network of high quality freelance consultants and experts, please email hello@mychoix.com