Case Study: How a Mid-Size Company Built an Internal Strategy Team
Acrapath Team
An illustrative case study of a mid-size consumer goods company that depended on external consultants for every strategic question, and how it hired a small internal strategy team using a business-case exercise based on its own data.
- Client
- Illustrative scenario: a mid-size consumer goods company
- Industry
- Consumer Goods
Key results
- Strategy team of 3 built in two phases
- Business-case exercise on real company data
- Lower reliance on external consultants
Note: This is an illustrative case study. The company is a composite scenario shared to demonstrate how to build an internal strategy function.
The situation
A mid-size consumer goods company hired external consultants for pricing reviews, market entry questions and annual planning. The work was useful, but knowledge left with the consultants, and costs added up. Leadership decided to build an internal strategy team.
The challenges
No clear definition of what "strategy" would own
Uncertainty about whether to hire ex-consultants or industry experts
Difficulty assessing strategic thinking in interviews
A need to show value quickly
The approach
1. Hiring in two phases
Rather than building a full team at once, the company hired a strategy lead first, who then shaped the roles and priorities for the rest of the team.
2. The right profile
For the lead, the company looked for a mix: several years in consulting plus some time in an operating company, so the person understood both structured problem solving and how decisions get implemented. For analysts, strong analytical skills and curiosity mattered more than consulting brand names.
3. A business-case exercise on real data
Finalists worked on an anonymised data pack from the company itself. This tested analysis, judgement and the ability to influence leaders, the core skills of an internal strategist.
4. Sourcing
Roles were posted on Acrapath, and the HR team searched Talbox for former consultants and analysts with consumer goods exposure, tracking every candidate through stages in the Hiring tab.
The outcome
In this scenario, the company built a three-person strategy team within two hiring phases. The team took over annual planning and pricing reviews, and external consultants were used only for specialised projects.
Lessons for companies building strategy teams
Hire the leader first and let them design the team.
Balance consulting skills with operating experience.
Use your own data in the assessment.
Agree on a project roadmap early to show impact.
Building a strategy function? Post roles on Acrapath, search experienced candidates in Talbox and manage hiring in one pipeline.
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- #strategy manager hiring
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- #employer case study
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Frequently asked questions
When should a company build an internal strategy team?
When it regularly relies on external consultants for strategic questions, needs ongoing support for planning and pricing, or wants to retain strategic knowledge internally.
Should internal strategy teams hire former consultants?
Former consultants bring structured problem solving. The best profiles often combine consulting experience with some time in an operating company.
How do you assess strategy candidates?
A business-case exercise using anonymised company data, followed by a presentation to leadership, tests analysis, judgement and the ability to influence.
Is this strategy team case study real?
No. It is an illustrative composite scenario, shared to show a practical approach to building an internal strategy function.
How can Acrapath help hire strategy professionals?
Acrapath lets companies post strategy roles, search candidates in Talbox and track every hiring stage in a customisable pipeline.
