Advisory Hiring in 2025–26: Why Private Equity, AI, and Life Sciences Are Driving a New Kind of Leadership

Reforms are fast and firm in the advisory market and nowhere is that clearer than in healthcare and life sciences.

Much of the growth I’m seeing across the US right now is being driven by private-equity-backed consulting and advisory firms. These firms are scaling quickly, combining traditional strategy with technology, data, and hands-on delivery.

The global business advisory market, meanwhile, is projected to expand to USD 54 billion driven by organisational restructuring and strategic needs.
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                                                Source: Business Research Insights

Drawing from recent industry reports, expert analyses, and real-time discussions, here’s what I’m seeing:
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AI Integration and Digital Transformation

AI tools are being used to analyse markets, support due diligence, and manage data more efficiently. This translates to faster insights and more time for consultants to focus on commercial outcomes.

As a result, advisory firms are prioritising Partner-level hires with commercial and digital capability. More than having the newest tech, the value is in knowing how to use it responsibly and build trust with clients while doing so.

“Early adopters report 2-3x productivity gains in workflows, while laggards risk displacement.”

ESG and Sustainability Are Core to Strategy

With regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) influencing global markets, advisory firms are expanding their ESG capabilities.

Advisory teams are helping clients integrate ESG to reduce risk and stay competitive, though proving ROI remains difficult. This is especially hot in sectors like energy and manufacturing, where "green" operations can unlock funding.
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The Shift Toward Specialist Expertise

Clients are becoming more selective about who they work with. Instead of large, generalist consultancies, many are turning to smaller, specialist firms that can deliver targeted results. This rise of specialised disruptors is fueling a 60% surge in job postings for niche roles, emphasising skills like emotional intelligence and continuous learning over broad credentials.

“Generic advice is out; clients seek tailored, boutique-style expertise from niche players, often backed by private equity.“
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Resilience, Credibility, and the Productivity Challenge

Advisory firms are under pressure to deliver more with less. Economic volatility, shifting interest rates, and ongoing supply chain disruption have pushed clients to focus on cost control and operational resilience…and they expect their advisors to offer practical, hands-on guidance in return.

In both finance and healthcare, the CFO role is evolving: from traditional compliance oversight to leading growth through data and technology.

At the same time, bureaucracy, trust erosion in consulting, and AI-led workforce optimisation are rising concerns. To remain credible, leadership teams are doubling down on clear structures, confident pricing, and visibly measurable impact.

Hiring in Business Advisory

Advisory firms are under pressure to balance digital change, tighter budgets, and new client expectations, creating demand for senior leaders who can link strategy with delivery.

The opportunity now lies in showing impact: proving how you’ve helped clients modernise, reduce risk, or scale effectively. For employers, it’s about hiring people who can lead through uncertainty and make change happen on the ground.
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Seeking Support?

Build teams across advisory, life sciences, or healthcare consulting, or explore your next senior opportunity in these spaces.

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