Manager offer at Sia Partners Middle East

Question

Hello everyone,

I have been trying to break into consulting for sometime (unsuccessfully). I have around 8 years of experience within the energy and O&G space in the Middle East and i have recently done a master's (non-MBA) at a top-tier business school.

I just received an offer from Sia Partners to join ME team at a manager level - mainly driven by an urgent need for a resource with my background for a year-long project within the O&G space that fits my profile perfectly.

Question 1:
i believe in terms of entry level it would be very difficult for someone with my background to enter at a manager level elsewhere, so how does that evolve into career progression into the company or potentially other consultancies like OW,Strategy& or MBB. Would the switch be easy and would it be at the same level?

Question 2:
Comp wise i believe their scale is below other boutique consultancies or Tier 2+ in the region, and it's within the same range of my current comp - i work at a local start up thats been doing really well and i head the commercial function.

While the job really excites me, i believe the comp. band would be fixed, would it be wise to negotiate a Sr. Manager level for the comp to at least be attractive to justify the transition and the work load?
I understand that entails higher expectations specially for someone coming from the industry - might not be entirely wise.

Other negotiations might be (relocation bonus? signing bonus?) does anyone know if they provide that?

Question 3:
Any insights on the brand name, reputation specially within the energy or Oil & Gas space? As for now i know there is an imminent need for this particular project but whats the outlook like beyond this 1 year (i clarified that with the MD and gave me a politically-correct answer).

I'm trying to connect with people there to get more insights on the culture and so on, but for the timebeing is there anything else that i should consider?

Answer 1

Hi,
congrats! In response to:

Question 1
– Yes, this could fast-track you into consulting, but switching to OW/Strategy&/MBB at the same level later won’t be automatic, they may still assess you at a lower entry point
– Use this year to build strong consulting-specific skills and relationships, then reassess exit options

Question 2
– Sia typically pays below Tier 2; negotiating for Sr. Manager title or higher base is reasonable if you're making a big career move
– Signing/relocation bonuses are case-by-case; no harm in asking, especially if compensation is flat

Question 3
– Sia has a growing ME presence but is less recognized compared to OW or MBB; in energy/O&G, credibility depends on individual project exposure
– After the 1-year project, pipeline may vary; stay close to leadership and try to diversify engagements if possible

Let me know if you'd like help framing your negotiation points.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Hello there

1: Movement can be done from Sia Partners to MBB or tier 2 but most likely not the same level. Movement tends to be stepping a level down. Take this job to get consulting credentials and transition later.

2: Asking comp is understandable. Asking senior manager can be risky if you are new to consulting, but asking for more salary, relocation, or signing bonus is acceptable. Pitch it based on your market value and fit.

3: Sia's reputation is good in energy in Middle East, but not elite. Long-term pipeline is unknown, so utilize the first year to define internal growth and external opportunities.

Best, Alessa :)

Answer 3

Hi there!

I see you received some great answers already. Indeed, do speak with some of the people who are already there. That's going to be priceless - getting the insider view.

Best,
Cristian