Clinical to Healthcare Consulting - Networking Advice

Question

Hi,

I’m a Senior Clinical Procurement Specialist and currently lead system-level clinical and procurement transformation across three acute NHS trusts (UK based). I have a track record of delivering cost improvement savings in excess of £2 million, leading projects end to end.
I am also studying for an Executive MBA (finishes 2026).

My background is Emergency Nursing, Trust Operations Management, Ward Management and Clinical Procurement, totalling approx 12 years in the NHS, 7 years at a senior level.

I’m excited to hopefully make the move into Healthcare Consulting as an experienced hire once my MBA finishes and I have started exploring potential UK based firms. After reading relevant healthcare topics on the firms website, I’ve reached out for introductory conversations, commenting on their work and my potential move into consulting and politely requesting a short conversation.

Although it’s not been long, I’ve not yet heard back and just looking for reassurance that I’m tackling this in the right way. My university has suggested reaching out on LinkedIn in the first instance and I’m conscious I need a ‘referral’ before placing applications? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance.

Emily

Answer 1

Hi Emily,

Your approach is correct. I think you are just facing a specific issue: MBB wants to hire profiles like you because they are definitely expanding into healthcare (traditionally, not a top-5 industry in terms of revenues for most firms in Europe) and need deeper expertise, but many firms just don't have a structured process for you to meet them.

I would do a few things:

Try to get a foot in the door through every event that is remotely connected to you (e.g., experienced hire, women in leadership) and tell the Recruiter you'd want a "coffee chat" with them or with a consultant to understand how/if their firm hires folks healthcare experts like you
Broaden the scope of potential connections: I think any healthcare consultant (Manager and above) works is a good fit for a first chat!
If you have NHS experience, try to look into Public Sector / Public Policy positions. McKinsey for example has a dedicated practice called SHaPE (https://www.mckinsey.com/mckinseys-work-for-social-healthcare-and-public-entities) that often has dedicated Recruiters and pipelines to find more experienced candidates

LinkedIn is the right channel, but don’t be discouraged by a low response rate -- the standard is typically a 10-15% success rate. And try to A/B test different message formats (e.g., long vs. short, focus on the work they do vs. their career trajectory).

Hope this helps!

Tom