OC&C Strategy Consultants

OC&C Strategy Consultants (Outram Cullinan & Company) provides high level strategy consulting to senior management in large corporations and organisations. Rather than getting bogged down in the minutia of firms’ operations, OC&C focusses on the bigger picture, striving to provide its clients with creative and practical ideas to increase shareholder value. The firm has garnered a particularly strong reputation in two rather contrasting areas – retail and private equity. The firm has a presence in nine countries, with its 14 offices staffed by more than 500.

Founded in London by Chris Outram, in 1987, OC&C grew quickly, opening offices in Abu Dhabi, Boston, Brussels, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New Delhi, Paris, Rotterdam, New York and Shanghai. More recently, the firm gained a foothold in the UAE and Oman following a merger with MESA, in 2007.

OC&C was one of the early leaders in advocating private labels as a method for retailers to differentiate themselves from other brands. This ingenuity led to the firm developing and maintaining strong roots in consumer goods and retail. The firm provides a range of other services to this sector, including category management, operational improvement and internationalisation strategies.

The firm has also earned a reputation as a leader in European private equity. Leveraging sector specific knowledge, OC&C offers its clients advice on improving business plans, commercial due diligence, investment preparation, and identifying new opportunities.

In addition to its staples of retail and private equity, OC&C offers expertise in consumer goods, industry and utilities, technology, media and telecoms, transport and logistics, and financial and professional services. Its clients range from large multinationals to smaller companies on a fast-growth track. OC&C has advised numerous household names, including the BBC, The Guardian, ITV, Macmillan Publishers, the Telegraph Group and Vodafone.

The firm’s altruistic activities stretch across several public organisations and charities. OC&C doesn’t just contribute monies, but also offers its expertise pro bono. The UK, French, and Dutch offices have successfully helped Fairtrade both define and improve their performance, allowing them to reap the benefits moving forward. OC&C also has a long-standing relationship with Impetus Trust – pioneers in venture philanthropy – through which it has provided business planning support to a number of charities, dealing with issues such as youth conflict resolution, eating disorders, and the rehabilitation of prisoners and ex-offenders.

Practice numerical tests and verbal tests used by actual employers.

OC&C really do skim from the top; interviews are offered to grads from the top technical and business universities throughout Europe. Candidates will need a minimum 2:1 and a demonstrable aptitude for creative and lateral thinking. The discipline is less important, with emphasis placed on whether applicants fit with the company culture.

Ok, first the bad news... OC&C’s hiring process is demanding. Now the good news: it’s quick! The whole ordeal lasts between one and two days, consisting of approximately four to six interviews over two rounds. Be prepared to face partners and directors, with the questions based on real client scenarios, requiring all the conceptual thinking and common sense you can muster. Your skills and wits will be tested further by CV marking, group cases and numeracy and reasoning tests. So, deep breaths, do your research, and remember the good news, it’ll be over before you know it!

Stats

Employer Type: Private
No. of Employees: 500
No. of offices: 13
Worldwide Managing Partner: Michael Jary

Salary

Associate Consultant: £40,000 - £43,000 (Approx.)

Departments

Business Services
Business Unit/Divisional Strategy
Consumer Goods
Financial Services
Group Strategy
Industry and Infrastructure
Media
Organisation and Change
Private Equity
Product/Market/Channel Strategy
Public Sector
Retail & Distribution
Strategy Realisation
Technology
Telecommunications
Transaction Support
Travel, Transport and Logistics