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!