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Retail Consulting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$154K - $193K/yr

Proven experience in Retail industry in Program Leadership Capacity * 12-15 years of consulting experience. * Proven project and program delivery track record across multiple full lifecycle SAP ...

Retail Sales Associate - Part Time

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

The Retail Consultative Sales Associate is responsible for enhancing the experience of customers and driving profitable sales by providing proactive consultative sales assistance and support to the ...

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Retail Consulting information

See California salary details

$10

$15

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How much do retail consulting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail consulting in California is $15.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Retail Consulting vs Retail Analyst?

AspectRetail ConsultingRetail Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, industry experience, consulting certifications (optional)Bachelor's degree, often in business, finance, or economics; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, client sites, project-basedRetail companies, corporate offices, data-driven
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, retail brands, industry service providersRetail chains, e-commerce companies, market research firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Retail Consulting involves advising retail businesses on strategy, operations, and growth, often working with multiple clients. Retail Analysts focus on analyzing retail data, market trends, and sales performance within a specific company or sector. While both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge, Retail Consulting emphasizes strategic advice and client interaction, whereas Retail Analysts concentrate on data analysis and reporting.

What does a retail consulting do?

A retail consultant analyzes retail businesses to improve sales, operations, and customer experience. They often assess store layouts, inventory management, and marketing strategies, using data analysis and industry knowledge to recommend solutions. Retail consultants may work with retail management teams and require strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in retail consulting, and how can they be addressed?

Retail consultants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing consumer trends, integrating new technologies, and aligning client expectations with realistic outcomes. Navigating these challenges requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to stay current with industry developments. Building strong relationships with client teams and fostering open dialogue are essential for identifying pain points and implementing practical solutions. Continuous learning and collaboration across functional areas also help consultants deliver value in dynamic retail environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail consultant, and why are they important?

To excel as a Retail Consultant, you need a strong background in retail operations, business strategy, and market analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in retail management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and data analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills help consultants effectively advise clients and drive change. These competencies are crucial for identifying improvement opportunities and delivering impactful solutions in a competitive retail environment.

How to get into retail consulting?

To enter retail consulting, candidates typically need a background in business, retail management, or marketing, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in retail or consulting firms can be beneficial, and earning relevant certifications such as Certified Management Consultant (CMC) can enhance credibility.

What is retail consulting?

Retail consulting involves providing expert advice and strategies to retail businesses to help them improve their operations, increase sales, enhance customer experiences, and maximize profitability. Retail consultants analyze various aspects of a business, such as store layout, supply chain management, merchandising, and digital transformation, to identify areas of improvement. They work closely with retailers to develop and implement solutions tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client.
What job categories do people searching Retail Consulting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Consulting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Retail Consulting jobs? Cities in California with the most Retail Consulting job openings:
Infographic showing various Retail Consulting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,379 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Director - Consumer and Retail Group

Alvarez and Marsal

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Alvarez & Marsal rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Description

A&M Consumer & Retail Group | Director

Who We Are:

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global professional services firm with over 12,000 entrepreneurial, action-oriented professionals across 80+ locations. We specialize in turnaround management, restructuring, performance improvement, and corporate advisory services.
 

Our Consumer & Retail Group was established over six years ago to disrupt consulting: we're faster, more experienced, and deliver more impact than traditional firms. We're a mix of seasoned consultants and operational experts who combine analytical rigor with business judgment to build practical solutions.

Our clients need tangible results. Whether driving topline growth, right-sizing costs, or navigating disruption, they get a strategy that works and a team that executes. Our clients consistently put meaningful points on the board, and their teams leave equipped to sustain value long-term.

Our Culture:

We are independent thinkers and doers who operate with Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity. We solve problems with speed, rigor, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead complex client engagements across transformation, performance improvement, and M&A. Own value creation and client impact from start to finish.
  • Help build and lead high-performing teams on engagements, managing scope, approach, resourcing, and timeline with rigor and speed.
  • Own C-level and board relationships. Guide strategic decisions through credibility, insight, and hands-on problem-solving.
  • Identify and execute high-impact opportunities for EBITDA expansion and shareholder value in partnership with CRG leadership and clients.
  • Synthesize financial, operational, and strategic data into enterprise-level recommendations with measurable P&L impact.
  • Drive change management and stakeholder alignment across complex organizations.
  • Build durable client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
  • Contribute to CRG tools, methodologies, and intellectual property. Mentor junior staff and participate in recruiting.

What We're Looking For:

  • Consulting or Consulting and Operational experience with demonstrated success in consumer and/or retail related industries.
  • Deep expertise in one or more of these areas:
    • Consumer/Retail consulting, finance, transformation, or corporate development
    • Supply chain, logistics, or operations strategy for consumer goods or retail
    • Merchandising, category management, or sales and marketing effectiveness
    • Network modeling, procurement strategy, or manufacturing operations
    • SG&A reduction, M&A (divestitures, carve-outs, integration), or digital transformation
  • Proven ability to lead complex work streams, structure problem-solving in ambiguous situations, and deliver results under pressure.
  • Track record synthesizing data into actionable recommendations, implementing solutions with clients at all levels, and developing compelling business cases.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset. Intellectual curiosity. Results-driven orientation. Action bias.

Core Competencies:

  • Strategic Leadership: Influence C-level and board stakeholders in complex situations. Guide decisions with credibility and insight.
  • Engagement Leadership: Help build high-performing teams. Drive execution rigor, quality delivery, and on-time completion across multiple workstreams.
  • Client Management: Understand organizational dynamics and stakeholder agendas. Engage effectively from board to operations. Drive implementation.
  • Analytical Rigor: Perform sophisticated financial and operational analysis. Structure complex problems independently. Generate P&L impact.
  • Communication: Translate complex information into clear narratives. Develop client-ready documents and presentations with advanced written and verbal skills.
  • Action Orientation: Structure problem-solving approaches independently. Balance speed with rigor. Drive stakeholder alignment.
  • People Leadership: Mentor and develop talent. Participate in recruiting and capability building.
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Think strategically. Question assumptions. Drive innovation. Maintain high energy in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree from a top university, MBA preferred
  • Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or related field
  • 6+ years of relevant experience in consumer/retail business or consulting at a professional services firm, or a mix of consulting and corporate finance / operations roles
  • Demonstrated success leading and managing complex work streams and projects
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access
  • Strong technical acumen and comfort working with complex data
  • Advanced written communication skills and ability to develop client-ready documents and presentations independently
  • Open to domestic travel up to 70% M-F

#IND123


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