Associate Director - Management Consulting

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

KordaMentha is seeking an Associate Director/Director to join its rapidly expanding New Zealand practice based in Auckland, taking a lead role in delivering transformation, operating model design and performance uplift for iconic NZ clients across corporate and public sectors. You will work closely with senior leaders, benefit from mentorship, and contribute to the growth of the NZ team while influencing strategy and delivery on complex engagements such as operating excellence reviews and major infrastructure programs. The ideal candidate has 6+ years in management consulting or related fields, a proven track record leading end‑to‑end engagements, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to translate complex issues into actionable recommendations. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight measurable outcomes, multi‑disciplinary team leadership, executive influence, and alignment with KordaMentha’s independent, growth‑focused culture and commitment to diversity.

Company Description

Since 2002, KordaMentha has been entrusted with some of the region’s most complex and sensitive commercial situations. We are an advisory and investment firm at heart, helping corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value. 

But we are so much more than that.

Fiercely independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community across the breadth of the Australian and New Zealand markets. We provide bold and impactful solutions delivering growth, certainty, and value.  

There is strength in difference. And we are different.

Join KordaMentha — Where Your Growth Is Our Priority
We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders
• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Director/Director to join our rapidly expanding New Zealand practice. The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering a variety of client engagements. You will have the opportunity to work with iconic New Zealand clients across both the corporate and public sector. You will have demonstrated experience in engaging with clients on large, transformation engagements, including operating excellence reviews, performance improvement initiatives, or major infrastructure projects.

You will have the opportunity to work directly with senior leaders from across the business, gaining strong mentorship and contributing to the growth of the New Zealand team.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership: Lead high‑impact consulting projects, applying data‑driven insights and strategic thinking to solve complex client challenges. Make decisive contributions to the design, delivery and operationalisation of solutions across strategy, transformation, risk, performance uplift and other priority areas.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong, trusted relationships with client executives, project sponsors and industry leaders. Foster open communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment and successful delivery.

Reporting & Insights: Develop high‑quality reports, presentations and insights that inform decision‑making and shape client strategy. Ensure deliverables are clear, actionable and aligned to best practice, regulatory expectations and organisational goals.

Communicate and Influence: Drive strategic discussions, influence client direction and support negotiations through clear and compelling communication. Play a key role in enabling transformative change by articulating recommendations and guiding stakeholders through complex issues.

You will enjoy:

Genuine exposure to senior leaders – you will provide support to the senior team members and will be relied on as a meaningful contributor.

Market leading engagements – we are brought in for complex engagements when significant value is at risk, whether it is financial, reputational or otherwise. Our clients are often at a difficult crossroad, and this makes the work important, interesting, and educational.

Meaningful work – our engagements are highly commercial, with an emphasis on developing impactful solutions to improve the bottom line and operations. As a team, our bias is towards rapid decision making and is grounded in deep analysis and learnings from client interactions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in management consulting, professional services, industry or regulatory environments, with demonstrated capability leading large and complex engagements.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Law, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Accounting or related disciplines.
• Strong knowledge across one or more of the following: strategy and operating model design, transformation, risk and regulatory uplift, financial crime, process improvement, or organisational change.
• Proven experience leading end‑to‑end engagements, managing stakeholders, timelines, risks and deliverables.
• Highly developed analytical, critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high‑quality reports and present to senior executives.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision‑makers, manage diverse stakeholder groups and build strong client relationships.
• Strong organisational, project management and delivery skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience coaching, supporting and uplifting junior team members.
• Willingness to travel domestically (and internationally if required).

Additional Information

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.