Consulting Practice Manager - Professional Services

A Consulting Practice Manager at Aptos oversees the daily workload of the EMEA & APAC consulting teams, ensuring the successful delivery of projects while collaborating closely with sales and customers to comprehend their needs. They guide the team on technical performance, manage project scopes, and contribute to maintaining the team’s reputation, ultimately enabling high-quality consulting services.

To be a successful Consulting Practice Manager at Aptos, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, along with experience in leading consultants and implementing solutions. Knowledge of SQL, .NET, AWS, and agile methodologies are essential, as well as strong troubleshooting and communication skills.

Candidates with prior management experience, especially those who can demonstrate successful interactions with management and executives, will excel in the Consulting Practice Manager role at Aptos. Additionally, experience in retail software implementation and familiarity with Aptos-specific products would provide a great advantage.

A Consulting Practice Manager can promote team development by providing consistent process improvement insights, encouraging independence within team members, and facilitating ongoing training opportunities. This role also involves reviewing project executions to ensure the team meets quality expectations, which fosters an atmosphere of continuous learning.

As a Consulting Practice Manager at Aptos, individuals will find ample opportunities for career advancement, especially due to the company's commitment to employee development. With access to industry-leading training and a culture that values innovation, employees can grow their skill sets and pursue management or specialized roles within the rapidly evolving landscape of retail solutions.

To manage a consulting team effectively, I would focus on clear communication, setting achievable performance targets, and fostering an environment of collaboration. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions would also help in identifying areas of improvement and ensuring tasks align with team strengths.

I have been involved in transitioning solutions to cloud-native architectures, working with microservices and APIs. I understand the benefits of scalability and flexibility that cloud-native technologies offer and have practical experience in implementing them for client projects.

Prioritization begins with understanding project deadlines and client needs. I would use tools like project management software to categorize tasks based on urgency and impact, collaborating with team members to ensure the right focus is placed on high-impact activities.

I believe in constructive feedback that emphasizes personal growth. Performance reviews should be a two-way conversation where team members share their challenges and accomplishments, allowing for goal-setting and continuous development tailored to individual career aspirations.

Addressing conflict requires open communication and an avenue for team members to express their concerns. I would facilitate a discussion aimed at resolving the issue professionally, ensuring that all voices are heard and that we seek a solution that aligns with our collective goals.

One successful project involved migrating a client to a new SaaS platform. The key factors for success were thorough planning, consistent cross-functional collaboration, and flexible adaptation to client feedback during the implementation phases.

To keep the team updated with technology trends, I encourage continuous learning through training sessions, workshops, and industry conferences. Furthermore, we regularly share articles and insights during team meetings to promote a culture of knowledge sharing.

Teamwork is crucial in consulting as it ensures diverse perspectives are brought to the table, fostering innovative solutions. It's about leveraging team strengths to enhance problem-solving capabilities, resulting in higher client satisfaction.

Challenges may include resistance to change, complexity in rearchitecting existing systems, and ensuring compatibility with legacy applications. Addressing these challenges involves educating clients on the benefits and providing clear support throughout the transition.

Success for a Consulting Practice Manager at Aptos is defined by achieving project KPIs, client satisfaction, team development, and contributing to the company’s overall reputation in delivering effective, innovative solutions for retail clients.