on the case study interview portion for knowledge analyst procurement role

Question

I recently applied for procurement knowledge analyst at McKinsey Client Capabilities function.

I understand that this job is within the expertise track rather than consulting, so my question is about the case studies, is my interviewer going to give me a case related to the field itself procurement/supply chain, or is it going to be a McKinsey-client style case where I need to figure out a whole business strategy (similar to the examples on their website)?

Answer 1

Hi there,

For a Knowledge Analyst role in procurement, the case is typically closer to the domain rather than a classic McKinsey consulting case.

You’re unlikely to get a broad “should we enter this market” type of case. Instead, expect something more focused on procurement/supply chain topics, such as cost reduction, supplier strategy, category management, or process optimization.

That said, it will still test core consulting skills:

Structured thinking
Breaking down a problem logically
Interpreting data or exhibits
Communicating clear recommendations

So think of it as a hybrid: domain-relevant problem + consulting-style thinking.

In practice, preparation should focus on:

Basic procurement concepts (cost drivers, sourcing levers, supplier dynamics)
Simple, clear structuring (don’t overcomplicate)
Being practical and actionable in your recommendations

You don’t need full MBB-style case prep, but being comfortable with structured problem solving will definitely help.

Happy to help you prep specifically for this type of case if useful

Best
Evelina

Answer 2

Hi there,

Check with them directly — but in general, expert tracks give you both generalist AND specialist cases. Be prepared for anything.

In regards to procurement/supply chain cases specifically, here's what you need to know:

First, you need to ask about the objective. In general this will either be "Reducing Costs" or "Fixing/Optimizing Production"

Within Reducing Costs, this could be contract renegotiation, finding new suppliers, locking in futures contracts, automating processes (replace labor), changing transport methods, etc.

Within Optimizing Production, this could be a lot of the same i.e. automating processes, finding new suppliers, changing transport methods.

Generally, you'll want to segment the supply chain/procurement process to identify problems (i.e. where taking the longest or costing the most).

For Practice Cases Try The Following:
1) Search Operations cases on PrepLounge: Operations Cases Library
2) Google and casebooks are your friend. Check Accenture, Amex, AT Kearney, Deloitte, and LEK sections in casebooks which specifically call out operations.
3) Send me a message and I can provide you with a few good ones and/or case you in them!

For a full end-to-end prep plan covering cases + applications: 360 Degree Consulting Recruiting Course

Search The Consulting Offer Blueprint on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for the broader mindset behind this kind of prep.