Principal

Apply Job Type Full-time Description About Us Cortico-X was built on a simple belief: what’s best for people is what’s best for the organization. We help leaders turn that belief into action by connecting insight, strategy, and transformation in ways that create stronger experiences and better business outcomes. This is not consulting for consulting’s sake. Our work is designed to move organizations forward by helping them make smarter decisions, align around what matters most, and turn human understanding into real change. We are building a different kind of firm for the AI era — one that treats human experience as a strategic advantage, not a side consideration. If that kind of work energizes you, read on. The Opportunity The Principal, Business Strategy serves as a foundational leader within Cortico-X's Business Strategy vertical. You will own high-impact client relationships and lead end-to-end consulting engagements that help organizations embed experience at the core of how they operate and compete. Working directly with C-suite and VP-level stakeholders across Fortune 500 enterprises and high-growth startups, you will translate business challenges into actionable strategies, roadmaps, and operating model transformations that deliver measurable value. This is a client-facing, advisory-first role. You will also serve as a Practice Area Leader for the Business Strategy vertical — shaping how the practice grows, wins, and delivers. What You'll Do Client Leadership & Business Development • Build and maintain trust-based relationships with senior client stakeholders, serving as a credible and strategic advisor to C-suite and VP-level executives • Develop a deep understanding of each client's business context, challenges, and objectives — translating that understanding into strategic insights and actionable recommendations that drive measurable outcomes • Identify, pursue, and cultivate new business opportunities; lead the sales process from initial conversation through engagement close • Present findings, frameworks, and recommendations to executive audiences with clarity, conviction, and executive presence Strategy & Transformation Delivery • Lead discovery and visioning sessions to surface business model gaps and experience-led transformation opportunities • Translate business objectives into actionable strategy roadmaps, operating model blueprints, and phased delivery plans • Design and reimagine business and operating models that place customer and employee experience at the center • Develop governance frameworks and experience leadership models that enable sustained organizational change • Lead experience portfolio planning and prioritization exercises, balancing short-term wins with long-term transformation goals • Craft compelling value cases and strategic narratives that align stakeholders and drive investment decisions Change Enablement & Delivery • Develop change enablement strategies that prepare organizations to absorb and sustain transformation • Define success metrics and governance structures to track progress against strategic objectives • Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including data, design, and technology practitioners — to ensure strategy translates to delivery • Facilitate workshops and alignment sessions with diverse stakeholder groups Team Leadership • Lead and mentor project teams of consultants, strategists, and analysts; manage workstreams, allocate resources effectively, and ensure engagements stay within scope and budget • Serve as a Practice Area Leader for the Business Strategy vertical — shaping its direction, offerings, and growth • Contribute to internal capability building, knowledge sharing, and firm-wide practice development Requirements What You'll Bring Experience • MBA or equivalent experience required • 10+ years of experience in management consulting, business strategy, or experience-led transformation, including required tenure at a top-tier strategy firm (McKinsey, Bain, or BCG) • 5+ years in senior client-facing advisory roles with demonstrated impact at the executive level • Proven track record designing operating models, governance structures, or strategic roadmaps for complex organizations • Experience working with both large enterprises and growth-stage companies preferred Skills & Capabilities • Strong strategic and business acumen; deep expertise in business and operating model design, organizational governance, and change management • Strong leadership and project management skills; ability to manage teams, budgets, and competing priorities simultaneously • Comfort operating in ambiguity — quick to reorient as priorities shift without losing momentum or client confidence • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling narratives for executive audiences • Strong facilitation skills for workshops, alignment sessions, and strategic planning offsites Personal Qualities • Executive presence and credibility with senior leaders across functions • Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action and impact • Collaborative team leader who thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments • Intellectually curious with a strong point of view on the future of business transformation Why This Role, Why Now • A front-row seat in building a new kind of experience transformation firm. • A collaborative, low-ego, high-performance culture. • Opportunities to shape strategy and make a tangible impact with clients. • Fully remote with flexible work arrangements • Competitive compensation including base salary, performance bonuses, and strong benefits Salary: Actual compensation is influenced by many factors including skill set, experience, and qualifications. The range of starting base pay for this role is $180,000-$225,000. Actual compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. Cortico-X is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team as diverse as the clients and communities we serve.