OC&C Strategy Consultants: Firm Overview, Careers, and Interview Guide

Founded in London, OC&C Strategy Consultants is a global management consulting firm known for its sharp focus on pure strategy work, collaborative culture, and strong growth across Europe, Asia, and North America. Whether you’re exploring OC&C Strategy Consultants careers or curious about what OC&C Strategy Consultants do, understanding the firm’s history, culture, and recruitment process will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your consulting journey.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

OC&C Strategy Consultants is a global management consulting firm specializing in pure strategy work, offering data-driven insights across industries like consumer goods, retail, and technology.

• OC&C focuses exclusively on corporate, business unit, and M&A strategy, helping clients make high-impact strategic decisions.
• Founded in 1987 in London, the firm has grown to 15 offices across 11 countries under Global Managing Partner Will Hayllar.
• Careers at OC&C offer rapid advancement, merit-based promotion, and opportunities for international project experience.
• The OC&C interview process includes two rounds of rigorous case and fit interviews emphasizing analytical thinking and communication.
• Salaries are competitive with top firms, complemented by strong benefits, flexible work options, and a collaborative culture centered on its core values.

What Does OC&C Strategy Consultants Do?

OC&C Strategy Consultants is a global management consulting firm that focuses exclusively on strategy work. The firm helps clients make high-impact decisions in areas such as corporate strategy, market entry, pricing, M&A, and growth planning, offering clear insights that drive competitive advantage across industries.

OC&C Strategy Consultants stands apart for its commitment to pure strategy consulting. Unlike firms that cover a wide range of implementation or operations work, OC&C focuses on answering complex business questions related to growth, competition, and market positioning.

Projects typically center on top-line strategy, including:

• Corporate and business unit strategy
• Customer segmentation and value proposition development
• Market entry and expansion strategy
• M&A due diligence and integration
• Pricing optimization and go-to-market planning

Assignments are fast-paced, data-driven, and typically last between three and eight weeks. This approach allows consultants to gain exposure to diverse business models and industries quickly while maintaining a strategic, hypothesis-driven mindset.

For candidates exploring OC&C Strategy Consultants careers, this focus on strategy means your work involves analytical depth, creative problem-solving, and direct client engagement from early stages. Consultants often collaborate with senior executives, helping shape long-term strategic direction rather than short-term operational fixes.

In short, OC&C’s business model emphasizes clarity, focus, and strategic insight making it a strong fit for those who enjoy working on high-level challenges that define a company’s competitive future.

The History and Growth of OC&C Strategy Consultants

OC&C Strategy Consultants was founded in 1987 in London by Chris Outram and Geoff Cullinan, former Booz Allen partners, with the goal of focusing exclusively on strategy consulting. Over the years, OC&C has expanded across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, becoming a respected global player in corporate and business strategy.

OC&C Strategy Consultants began as a challenger to traditional consulting models. Its founders wanted to create a firm dedicated to deep strategic thinking rather than broad operational services. This focus quickly attracted clients seeking clear, actionable strategy work.

The firm’s early success in Europe led to expansion into key global markets:

• Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Milan, Rotterdam, and Warsaw
• North America: Boston and New York
• Asia-Pacific: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, and Melbourne
• South America: São Paulo and Belo Horizonte

Today, OC&C employs around 750 consultants across 15 offices in 11 countries. The firm continues to emphasize analytical rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and entrepreneurial culture. Its managing partner, Will Hayllar, leads the firm’s global strategy and growth initiatives.

OC&C’s steady expansion reflects a deliberate strategy: focus on client impact, maintain cultural consistency, and preserve the independence that allows for unfiltered strategic advice. This disciplined growth model has earned the firm recognition among top global strategy consultancies.

OC&C Strategy Consultants Practice Areas and Industry Expertise

OC&C Strategy Consultants focuses on high-impact strategic advisory across five core practice areas: corporate strategy, business unit strategy, strategy realization, M&A and private equity, and operational strategy. The firm serves industries such as consumer goods, retail, media, technology, and business services, helping clients accelerate growth and improve competitiveness.

OC&C’s consulting model is built on deep specialization. Each engagement is designed to clarify a client’s competitive position and guide strategic decisions that drive measurable outcomes. Unlike implementation-heavy firms, OC&C remains purely focused on strategy formulation and market insight.

Its five key practice areas include:

• Corporate Strategy: Defining vision, market positioning, and long-term direction.
• Business Unit Strategy: Enhancing performance and differentiation at the divisional level.
• Strategy Realization: Turning strategic plans into actionable roadmaps.
• M&A and Private Equity: Conducting due diligence, deal evaluation, and portfolio reviews.
• Operational Strategy: Improving efficiency and alignment between business goals and operations.

Across these domains, OC&C supports clients in core sectors such as:

• Consumer Goods and Retail: Product strategy, brand positioning, and channel optimization.
• Technology and Media: Digital growth, data monetization, and platform strategy.
• Business Services: Pricing, go-to-market, and organizational restructuring.

This structured yet flexible model allows consultants to rotate across multiple sectors, building both analytical depth and industry fluency. It also positions OC&C as a partner for clients seeking data-driven, insight-rich recommendations that strengthen long-term performance.

Global Offices and Regional Presence of OC&C Strategy Consultants

OC&C Strategy Consultants operates 15 offices across 11 countries, with a strong presence in Europe and expanding operations in North America, Asia, and South America. Major hubs include London, New York, Paris, Munich, Shanghai, and Sydney, reflecting the firm’s global reach and client diversity.

OC&C’s global footprint enables consultants to work on international projects that span industries and markets. Its network of offices facilitates cross-border collaboration, allowing teams to blend local market knowledge with global strategic insight.

Key global offices include:

• United States: Boston, New York
• Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Milan, Rotterdam, Warsaw
• Asia-Pacific: Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne
• South America: São Paulo, Belo Horizonte

While OC&C maintains a particularly strong base in Europe, its U.S. and Asia-Pacific practices are rapidly expanding, offering consultants international exposure and career mobility. This worldwide reach allows OC&C to support multinational clients seeking consistent strategy expertise across geographies.

Careers and Roles at OC&C Strategy Consultants

OC&C Strategy Consultants careers offer a merit-based path from Associate Consultant to Partner, emphasizing early client exposure, analytical depth, and rapid growth. Consultants advance through clearly defined levels Associate Consultant, Consultant, Manager, Associate Partner, and Partner based on performance, leadership, and strategic impact.

At OC&C, progression is driven by merit rather than tenure. Entry-level consultants focus on analysis and problem-solving, while senior roles emphasize client leadership and strategy delivery.

Typical career path:

• Associate Consultant: Conducts market research, data analysis, and insight generation.
• Consultant: Manages project workstreams and presents recommendations.
• Manager: Leads teams and oversees project execution.
• Associate Partner: Drives business development and client relationships.
• Partner: Shapes firm strategy and thought leadership.

The firm’s structure encourages collaboration and mentorship, allowing high performers to advance quickly. An MBA is not required for promotion, although OC&C sponsors top consultants for business school programs when relevant.

OC&C Strategy Consultants Internship Program

The OC&C Strategy Consultants internship program lasts about eight weeks, giving undergraduates and MBAs hands-on experience in strategy projects. Interns work on two real client engagements, gain exposure to market analysis, and receive mentorship designed to prepare them for full-time consultant roles.

Interns are typically staffed as full project team members, taking on responsibilities equivalent to Associate Consultants. After initial training, they rotate between projects covering strategy, M&A, or market entry challenges.

During the internship, participants engage in:

• Primary and secondary research
• Data analysis and presentation building
• Client workshop participation
• Networking and cultural events

OC&C’s internship emphasizes learning by doing, with strong mentorship and feedback. Successful interns often receive return offers, making the program a direct pathway into consulting careers.

How Hard Is It to Get Into OC&C Strategy Consultants?

Getting into OC&C Strategy Consultants is competitive due to its small intake and selective recruiting process. The firm looks for candidates with strong analytical ability, academic excellence, and interpersonal skills. Acceptance rates are low, especially for top schools and experienced hires targeting strategy-focused roles.

OC&C recruits primarily from leading universities in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation process that includes case interviews, fit assessments, and multiple screening rounds.

Key recruitment factors:

• Outstanding problem-solving and quantitative skills
• Clear communication and structured thinking
• Teamwork and leadership experience
• Demonstrated interest in strategy consulting

While competitive, OC&C offers a transparent hiring process and fair assessment standards, rewarding candidates who prepare well and show genuine curiosity about strategic problem-solving.

Inside the OC&C Strategy Consultants Interview Process

The OC&C Strategy Consultants interview process includes two rounds of case and fit interviews assessing analytical thinking, communication, and business judgment. First-round interviews are campus-based, while second rounds are conducted by senior consultants or partners, often featuring complex strategy cases.

Candidates can expect:

• Round 1: Two 30-minute interviews focusing on structured problem-solving
• Round 2: Partner-led case discussions and behavioral assessments
• Format: Mix of quantitative analysis, creative reasoning, and commercial insight

OC&C provides candidates with “buddy” support during the process, offering guidance and answering questions. Successful applicants demonstrate clear thinking, composure under pressure, and strong business intuition.

What Are OC&C Strategy Consultants Salaries and Benefits?

OC&C Strategy Consultants salaries are competitive with other top consulting firms. Entry-level Associate Consultants earn around $100,000 annually in the U.S., with Consultants and Managers earning significantly more. The firm also offers performance bonuses, health benefits, equal parental leave, and opportunities for unpaid sabbaticals.

OC&C emphasizes total compensation that balances pay with flexibility and well-being. Benefits include:

• 16 weeks of paid parental leave for all parents
• 4 weeks of optional unpaid leave annually
• Transparent bonus structure tied to firm and personal performance
• Health, retirement, and professional development allowances

This combination supports long-term retention and helps sustain the firm’s reputation for valuing work-life balance and employee satisfaction.

OC&C Strategy Consultants Culture and Core Values

The culture at OC&C Strategy Consultants is collaborative, merit-based, and intellectually driven. Its three core values Straight Talking, Brave Thinking, and In It Together shape how teams work with clients and colleagues, fostering openness, innovation, and shared accountability.

Consultants describe OC&C’s environment as collegial, entrepreneurial, and grounded in teamwork. Flat hierarchies encourage communication between junior and senior staff, while strong mentorship ensures consistent learning.

OC&C’s core values guide behavior and decision-making:

• Straight Talking: Honest feedback and transparent communication.
• Brave Thinking: Encouragement to challenge norms and explore bold ideas.
• In It Together: Collaboration and shared success across all levels.

The firm’s commitment to inclusion, flexible work models, and equal parental leave reflects its modern, people-first culture.

Exit Opportunities After OC&C Strategy Consultants

After working at OC&C Strategy Consultants, alumni often move into startups, private equity, venture capital, or corporate strategy roles. Many also pursue MBAs at top global schools, leveraging the firm’s strategic experience and international exposure to transition into leadership positions.

OC&C alumni typically follow these paths:

• Founders or early-stage startup executives
• Corporate strategy or business development leaders
• Private equity and venture capital associates
• Graduate students at top business schools (INSEAD, LBS, Wharton)

This diversity of exit routes underscores OC&C’s strong reputation and the transferability of its strategic skill set across industries.

Awards, Reputation, and Industry Standing of OC&C Strategy Consultants

OC&C Strategy Consultants consistently ranks among the top global consulting firms for culture, promotion policies, and international opportunities. Recognized by Vault and other industry rankings, the firm is valued for its strategy-focused work, collaborative culture, and balanced lifestyle relative to peers.

OC&C’s notable awards include:

• #6 Best Consulting Firms for Firm Culture
• #7 Best Consulting Firms for International Opportunities
• #8 Best Consulting Firms for Promotion Policies
• #17 Best Consulting Firms for Work-Life Balance

These accolades reflect OC&C’s consistent excellence in strategic thinking and its growing influence in global management consulting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is OC&C Strategy Consultants famous for?
A: OC&C Strategy Consultants is famous for its pure strategy focus, analytical rigor, and collaborative culture that differentiates it from larger, operations-driven consulting firms.

Q: How to get a job at OC&C Strategy Consultants?
A: To get a job at OC&C Strategy Consultants, candidates must demonstrate strong analytical ability, structured problem-solving, and communication skills through rigorous case and fit interviews.

Q: What are the exit opportunities for OC&C Strategy Consultants?
A: Exit opportunities for OC&C consultants include roles in private equity, corporate strategy, startups, or pursuing MBAs at leading business schools.

Q: Is OC&C Strategy Consultants a good place to work?
A: OC&C Strategy Consultants is considered a good place to work due to its collaborative environment, merit-based progression, and emphasis on work-life balance. 

Q: Is OC&C Strategy Consultants considered a Tier 2 consulting firm?
A: Yes, OC&C Strategy Consultants is generally viewed as a Tier 2 strategy consulting firm, known for its focus on strategic projects and growing international presence.