I'm after some advice... I'm wondering which consultancy firms you'd all recommend if i'm interested in specilising in supply chain, particularly in the retail and FMCG sectors. I'm nearing the end of a generalist consulting grad scheme and am looking for my next move. I also have a personal preference for working for a large consultancy firm rather than small boutique but would value your views on this too.

Try KSAwww.kurtsalmon.com

From the profiles on their website, it looks like you'll best fit in at "the big fish" if you're a sports jock, cheerleader, or enjoy mountain walking in Tibet.Given their apparent preference for social types, plus the fact that they are a "premier management consulting firm", it strikes me as odd that they are looking to recruit consultants with the following skills:Languages: C, C++, Java, SQL, Pl*sql, Shell, Pro*C, Forms, Report, JavaScript HTML, XML, XSLT OS: Unix Aix, Solaris, HP-UX Database: Oracle,DB2-UDB, SQL server Web Server: Apache, WebLogic, WebSphere Application Server: Tuxedo, MQSeries, Oracle Application Server Object Technology - Internet: CORBA, EJB, JSP, SERVLET, J2EE, .Net JMS, Web Service

I believe this is a misunderstanding. If you have a look at their website again (http://www.kurtsalmon.com/content/main/body/careers/opportunities/consultant.htm), you will see that those skills are only specified for the Technology Consultant. The other two roles - Retail Process Consultant and Strategy consultant have different requirements.

Good point accenture guy. Still seems a bit strange that a "premier management consultancy" would want such a hard-core techie though. I guess maybe they have a little sideline in developing applications to support their main MC work.

Agreed. I worked for a couple of months alongside KSA before I joined Accenture. They were certainly more business-orientated - but I guess it takes all sorts ;-)

I had been drawn to KSA before because of their specialisms. But I got the impression that working with them would mean a lot of international assignments alone or in a very small team. There London office was tiny and I thought this painted a picture of an isolated consulting lifestyle a vast cry from the company I'm with at the moment where I work in large teams and my colleagues really are my friends. Does anyone have any more ideas of firms operating effectively in these fields, do any of the big boys stand out from the others or known for their thought leadership?

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Seems like a stock answer, but the Accenture SCM group isn't too bad actually.