Inside the World of a CMC Consultant: A Day in the Life, the Challenges, and the Rewards

Welcome to another edition of the Progressing Careers Everywhere series, where we explore the real experiences of those building their careers within the Amoria Group. In this episode, hosted by Senior Talent Attraction Partner Helen Cassin, we dive into the fast‑paced, people‑driven world of CMC consultancy through the insights of Ruby   Bannister, Senior Consultant in our Manchester office.

At CMC, the focus for our consultants is delivering expert-led solutions for clients on a project‑by‑project basis. Whether it’s supplying individual specialists, deploying full project teams, or managing outsourced work packages, the focus is always the same: delivering exceptional service and seamless project execution.

What CMC Actually Does

As Ruby explains, many newcomers to consultancy don’t initially understand what the day-to-day truly involves. At CMC, our consultants work closely with clients and external experts to ensure each project runs smoothly from start to finish. This means responding quickly to client needs, building strong commercial relationships, and coordinating technical experts on site. It’s hands-on, people-focused, and highly dynamic.

A Typical Day: Structure Meets Constant Change

Ruby’s day starts early, usually an hour before calls begin. That first hour sets the foundation:

• Reviewing the plan from the night before
• Identifying priority tasks
• Responding to overnight emails
• Checking for urgent updates on live projects

Once the morning admin and updates are handled, she shifts into business development: reaching out to customers, progressing active requirements, taking references, and identifying new opportunities. After that, she moves into her afternoon structure: system updates, admin tasks, connecting with experts, and building future pipelines.

Handling the Unexpected

Even with planning and prioritisation, consultancy comes with surprises. Ruby is quick to point out that, urgent client requests, projects shifting, or unexpected expert issues can “completely throws any day plan that you've got out of the window”. They can come in at any moment and often require immediate attention. The key is returning to the plan once the fire is put out, and staying adaptable without losing momentum.

This balance between agility and discipline is what allows CMC consultants to deliver consistently, even on the busiest days.

What Makes the Job both Rewarding and challenging?

“…the most rewarding and the thing that I enjoy most about this job is building up the relationships, particularly with customers, but with experts as well.”

Consulting is all about people, and that’s what Ruby loves about her job. Building trust with both clients and experts leads to long-term partnerships, repeat work, and a strong sense of personal achievement for her.

At the same time, Ruby says that relationship-building is also the hardest part. Establishing credibility in consultancy takes time, patience, and the courage to initiate conversations with people who may never have worked with you before. What’s crucial is having clear objectives and making sure your communication is on point.

“It's about asking the right questions, making sure that you're completely clear on what you want to achieve from this business relationship and ensuring that they're very clear on what you can offer them as a service as well.”

What is the essential skill for a consultant?

Prioritisation is key for a successful consultant, and for Ruby it was one of the most difficult skills to learn. Managing multiple live projects isn’t easy, and prioritising effectively is crucial. Ruby defines priority through client commitment:

• How clear is the requirement?
• How fast can the client move?
• Are terms agreed and ready to progress?
• Is the need urgent and supported by a decisive customer?

Urgent projects without client alignment still matter, but committed clients come first. It’s this structured approach that helps consultants avoid overwhelm while keeping delivery sharp and responsive.

 Why CMC Is a Career Worth Exploring

Ruby’s honest look behind the scenes highlights what makes CMC such a compelling environment for ambitious consultants: the pace, the problem‑solving, the autonomy, and the rewarding relationships built over time.

If you’re curious about progressing your own career, you can learn more at expertisedelivered.com