The Next Step, Inc.

Compensation

Full Description

TITLE: Consultant (Sales & Marketing) reporting to Vice President / Integrator DEPARTMENT: Consulting Services - Remote, but must reside in the Twin Cities Metro area CONSULTANT – SUCCESS PROFILE We’re seeking a seasoned consulting professional who brings wisdom, strategic clarity, and a collaborative mindset to help clients achieve transformative outcomes. This role focuses on reducing risk, improving cash flow, and aligning leadership, turning exhausted organizations into energized ones. The ideal candidate thrives in complex environments, builds trust through humility and service, and leverages proven leadership experience to deliver measurable impact. JOB PURPOSE: The Consultant at The Next Step (TNS) plays a vital role in guiding clients toward clarity, confidence, and execution, starting with cash flow and risk, then building systems and leadership alignment. This position emphasizes coaching and strategy, while also requiring a seller-doer mindset to source and close work within existing accounts. Consultants will immerse themselves in client environments, foster collaboration both internally and externally, and become a trusted advisor who energizes executives and bridges client needs with internal team capabilities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS BY PRIORITY: 1. Cultivate strong client partnerships through proactive communication and trust-building to ensure successful outcomes. 2. Drive leadership alignment and accountability across strategic initiatives, serving as a primary coach and facilitator. 3. Identify and secure new consulting opportunities within existing accounts, acting as a seller-doer to shape and close engagements. 4. Required expertise in designing and implementing Sales & Marketing strategies for clients. 5. Conduct in-depth diagnostics by immersing in the client’s environment to uncover challenges and recommend actionable solutions, leveraging internal team members and external resources when appropriate. 6. Foster collaboration across internal teams and ensure integrated solutions by actively leveraging internal specialists and delegating effectively as needed. 7. Must demonstrate a proven history of avoiding solo delivery and siloed approaches, while embracing a strong teamwork mindset that prioritizes collaboration and shared success. 8. Establish and maintain strategic cadences to ensure sustained progress. 9. Champion a team-first culture and consistently model TNS values of trust, humility, and growth. TIME UTILIZATION EXPECTATIONS: · 75% Coaching & Alignment (billable and results-focused) Focused on delivering high-impact client engagements and measurable results. Activities include executive coaching, facilitating strategic cadences, building strong client relationships, and implementing solutions that strengthen leadership and improve financial performance. Responsibilities also encompass strategy development, KPI analysis, and workflow optimization to ensure clarity, accountability, and sustainable outcomes. · 15% Business Development & Growth (seller-doer focus) Time dedicated to sourcing and closing consulting engagements, influencing and driving account growth, and supporting revenue targets. Activities include identifying opportunities, shaping proposals, collaborating on strategic account planning, and nurturing client relationships for repeat work, all while building trust through value-driven selling. · 10% Operational Excellence & Internal Initiatives (process-focused and collaborative) Focused on strengthening internal operations and driving team alignment. Activities include improving processes, ensuring accurate project forecasting, and actively participating in Level 10 (L10) meetings. Responsibilities also encompass supporting the company’s Rocks and quarterly priorities and fostering a team-first culture through cross-functional collaboration. KPIs: 1. Client Delivery & Impact o Billable Utilization Rate (Target: 70–85%) o Project Margin (Target: ≥ 40% Gross Margin) o Client Satisfaction / NPS (Target: ≥ 8.0 or NPS ≥ 50) o Repeat Engagement Rate (Target: ≥ 60%) 2. Business Development & Growth o Revenue Contribution / Sales Influence (Target: ≥$50k per month) 3. Operational Excellence o Project Forecast Accuracy (Target: ±10% variance from estimate) SUCCESS ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES: · Character, Clarity & Service-Minded Leadership: Demonstrate integrity and transparency while leading with a clear vision and a commitment to serving both clients and internal teams. · Analytical & Critical Thinking: Quickly assess complex issues and data to develop actionable strategies. · Strategic Problem-Solving: Deliver practical, client-focused solutions aligned with risk reduction and cash flow improvement. · Project Management: Manage multi-workstream engagements with precision: on time, within scope, and on budget. · Business Acumen: Apply deep knowledge of manufacturing and global Sales & Marketing to uncover growth opportunities. · Client-Centric Focus: Build trust with Presidents and Owners; act as a true advisor who simplifies decisions. · Subject Matter Expertise: Proven leadership in Sales & Marketing for manufacturing; additional expertise in operations or engineering preferred. · Communication & Influence: Present recommendations clearly and persuasively; adapt messaging for executive audiences. · Collaboration: Operate with a team-first mindset; work with internal resources and avoid lone-wolf behavior. · Seller-Doer Mindset: Source, shape, and close work while building trust through value-driven selling. · Adaptability: Navigate complex, tense situations with calm and clarity. · Working Genius: Ideally brings balance through Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity, with some Discernment. MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS: · Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, or related field (required) · 20+ years of total professional experience, including 10+ years in leadership roles (required) · Proven global Sales & Marketing leadership experience in manufacturing, with demonstrated success in international go-to-market strategies (required) · Proven ability to lead complex, multi-workstream projects and deliver measurable results tied to cash flow, risk reduction, and strategic clarity (required) · Track record of sourcing, shaping, and closing consulting engagements (required) · Experience in coaching and mentoring senior leaders, driving alignment and accountability (required) · Strong data-driven decision-making skills, including KPI analysis and strategy development (required) · Consulting experience with a focus on manufacturing and managing cross-functional teams at a Leadership and/or Director level (preferred) · Relevant certifications in sales, marketing, project management, or leadership development (preferred) · Familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and strategic cadence implementation (preferred) COMPENSATION: · Base Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 Based on experience, proven track record, and ability to deliver measurable results. BENEFITS: · Medical insurance reimbursement program (ICHRA) · 401k (eligible after 90 days) + company match (match 100% of salary deferrals up to the first 1% of eligible compensation, plus 50% of salary deferrals up to the next 5% of eligible compensation) · Performance-based profit sharing for eligible employees · Flexible paid time off · Paid holidays · Remote work environment COMPANY CULTURE AND CORE VALUE ALIGNMENT: 1. Trust: Character + Competence We build trust through integrity and reliability. Team members are expected to demonstrate strong moral character and consistently deliver high-quality work. Trust is earned by doing what’s right and doing it well every time. 2. Humility: Others > I (No Egos) We prioritize the success of the team over individual recognition. Employees are encouraged to listen actively, seek input, and support others without ego. Collaboration, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn from others are essential. 3. Growth: Always Be Making It Better We embrace continuous improvement. Whether refining processes, developing skills, or enhancing team dynamics, employees are expected to proactively seek ways to make things better. Curiosity, innovation, and a mindset of progress are key.