Consulting Rfp Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description
Senior Consultant, SPI
AArete is one-of-a-kind when it comes to consulting firm culture.
We're 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: "Areté." And excellence is exactly what we strive for.
We're celebrating our fourth year as one of Forbes' World's Best Management Consulting Firms - and our success starts with our people. From robust career development planning to competitive life and wellness benefits, AArete's "Culture of Care" takes a holistic approach to the employee experience.
AAretians (our team members) are leaders at every level. You are encouraged to unlock your full potential by directly contributing to our mission and prioritizing personal development and fulfillment.
The Role
AArete is actively seeking a dynamic Senior Consultant with experience supporting healthcare payer organizations, with a focus 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.
Recognized as a high-performing self-starter, critical thinker, and confident communicator, you will play a meaningful role across both client engagements and internal initiatives. In this role, you will take ownership of driving workstreams to successful outcomes, while also helping to guide and mentor junior team members. Your expertise and judgment will be critical in delivering innovative, client-ready solutions that create measurable impact.
Work You'll Do
As a Senior Consultant at AArete, you will lead and drive teams to successful outcomes through the following:

• 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
• Other duties as assigned

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 Requirements

• 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

Compensation & 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

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 a part of a competitive, total compensation package together with our majority employer-paid benefits and incentive pay for eligible roles. Please note that this range is a guideline and individual total compensation may vary due to numerous factors including but not limited to experience level, certifications, and other relevant business considerations.
AArete will accept applications until the position is filled. The job posting will be removed once the role is no longer available.
We put humans at the center of our work
We're a global management and technology consulting firm specializing in strategic profitability improvement, digital transformation, and strategy & change for clients. Our cross-industry solutions are powered by a digital-first mindset, market intelligence, and data-driven approach to deliver purposeful change, actionable insights, and guaranteed results.
But what sets us apart is our people. We are guided by our deeply embedded guiding principles: Excellence, Passion, Loyalty to Clients, Stewardship, Family, Community, Sustainability, and Inclusion.
And we've been recognized as a top firm to work for by companies like Forbes, Top Workplaces Chicago Tribune, and Consulting Magazine.
We've earned a Great Place to Work Certification™ and been named a World's Best Management Consulting Firm by Forbes, Vault's Top 50 Firms to Work For, Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50, Inc 5000's Fastest Growing Firms, and Consulting Magazine's Fastest Growing Firms.
Learn more about our award-winning culture
AArete, LLC ("AArete") may utilize Artificial Intelligence/Automated Decision-Making Technology/Automated Employment Decision Technology tools and resources ("AI" or "tools" or "resources") to assist humans in generating job descriptions and postings, recruitment, analyzation of information, screening candidates, evaluation of candidate information, and assisting humans in the selection of potential candidates by all levels of AArete employees for all positions.
AArete may use Microsoft Co-Pilot, OpenAI ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, LinkedIn Recruiter AI and Hiring Assistant, Jobvite Talent Fit and AArete HireSense. AArete may use all the information you provide. Submission of information to AArete shall serve as consent to AArete's use of AI tools and resources. AArete complies with all applicable law and does not use AI to discriminate against any individual and does not use location or geographic data like zip codes to act in a discriminatory or illegal manner. Your personal data may be used in relation to prospective employment with AArete and will only be retained for so long as legally necessary.
AArete shall comply with its posted privacy policies and candidates may contact Recruiting or Privacy Departments, as identified below, to request accommodations or to exercise any of your applicable rights, pursuant to applicable law:
Recruiting: [email protected]
Privacy: [email protected]
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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