How to hire a principle consultant

How to hire a principle consultant, step by step

Here's a step-by-step principle consultant hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a principle consultant job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new principle consultant
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the principle consultant you need to hire. Certain principle consultant roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A principle consultant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, principle consultants from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of principle consultant salaries for various roles:

   Type of Principle Consultant	Description	Hourly rate
   Principle Consultant	Management analysts, often called management consultants, propose ways to improve the efficiency of an organization. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.	$40-69
   Consultant/Team Lead	Consultant team leads analyze background documentation, project documents, financial reports, etc., to prepare an initial report about the projects they are working on. They gather data through interviews, research, and surveys to design proposals meant to create an inclusive environment for everyone... Show more	$34-62
   Business Analyst-Consultant	A business analyst-consultant is responsible for overseeing the project management and ensuring that the operations meet the agreed-upon project deliverables. Business analyst-consultants closely coordinate with the clients for their specifications and requirements, monitoring the resources and processes for the project completion, and aligning those to the clients' budget goals... Show more	$31-58

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Client Facing
   • Project Management
   • Java
   • Data Warehouse
   • Healthcare
   • R
   • Windows
   • Architecture
   • Business Process
   • Pre Sales
   • C #
   • Project Scope
   • Management System
   • PL/SQL

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage design and development of cloud-base billing application for streamlining payroll and invoicing, as well as offering real-time business analytics.
   • Develop specifications as well as Java code and lead team of developers.
   • Collaborate with customer's business and technical leaders/staff to clarify requirements and design solutions with a tangible ROI.
   • Develop out-of-the-box SharePoint request system for digital content.
   • Develop applications using web services using with SharePoint services
   • Redesign several client-server base applications to a web-base services architecture.

   More principle consultant duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your principle consultant job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A principle consultant salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, principle consultants' average salary in kentucky is 43% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level principle consultants earn 41% less than senior-level principle consultants.
   • Certifications. A principle consultant with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a principle consultant's salary.

   Average principle consultant salary

   $111,572yearly

   $53.64 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level principle consultant salary

   $85,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average principle consultant salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	District of Columbia	$136,889	$66
   2	California	$122,290	$59
   3	Minnesota	$121,543	$58
   4	Massachusetts	$116,795	$56
   5	New York	$115,294	$55
   6	Virginia	$115,135	$55
   7	Texas	$114,470	$55
   8	North Carolina	$113,626	$55
   9	Georgia	$110,507	$53
   10	Ohio	$110,285	$53
   11	Colorado	$103,330	$50

   Average principle consultant salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Infosys Public Service	$118,384	$56.92	253
   2	Data Intensity	$114,850	$55.22
   3	Voxai Solutions	$114,246	$54.93
   4	Trinamix	$109,537	$52.66
   5	Dimension Data Network Services	$106,759	$51.33
   6	Litmus7	$105,554	$50.75
   7	Apps Associates	$104,753	$50.36
   8	NWN Carousel	$104,218	$50.10
   9	RCM Technologies	$103,642	$49.83
   10	Capital Consulting	$103,107	$49.57
   11	NTT Data International L.L.C.	$103,001	$49.52	9
   12	Oracle	$90,532	$43.52	2,309

4. Writing a principle consultant job description

   A principle consultant job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a principle consultant job description:

   Principle consultant job description example

   Combine two of the fastest-growing fields on the planet with a culture of performance, collaboration and opportunity and this is what you get. Leading edge technology in an industry that is improving the lives of millions. Here, innovation is not about another gadget; it is about making health care data available wherever and whenever people need it, safely and reliably. There is no room for error. If you are looking for a better place to use your passion and your desire to drive change, this is the place to be. It's an opportunity to do **your life's best work.(sm)**
   
   At Optum Insight Life Sciences, our Commercial Analytics group leverages claims and Electronic Health Record (EHR) data with statistical techniques to support our key pharmaceutical customers. We are seeking a client facing Consultant to manage customer projects and contribute to the growing team.
   
   The consultant's responsibility includes a combination of (1.) designing and overseeing custom research projects utilizing our Optum data assets that meet client needs (50% of time), (2.) develop new business and relationships to support additional projects (40% of time), and lastly (3.) thought leadership in developing the team, likely through advanced analytics, or client management (10% of time). This role is a good fit for those who are interested working with others in an open environment, where sharing of ideas is important. Lastly, as a leader in healthcare data, this is a great position to build your understanding of leading data assets, client management, and become part of the world's largest healthcare company who is well respected by our customers.
   
   The existing team has deep background in the industry and works extremely well together, with most team members having 5-10 years of tenure in the team, and a great team culture.
   
   The Optum Insight Life Sciences Commercial Analytics team is focused primarily on growing business within the Brand Analytics, Market Access Analytics, Real World Evidence, and Advanced Analytics groups within the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, and Medical Device sector. This position focuses on the consulting aspects of CA projects. There is an analysis group that handles data programming, modeling, etc. and this position works in collaboration with that analytic department.
   
   You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
   **Primary Responsibilities:**
   
   + Work with pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies to create custom analytics solutions utilizing multiple data sources such as electronic medical records, patient claims, prescriptions, etc. to provide and support strategic direction for marketing and sales
   
   + Provide consultation and review for analytical study methodologies, determine criteria for database selection, determine additional analysis to provide meaningful recommendations oversee support staff, review client deliverables
   
   + Work cross-functionally with Business Development to determine strategic initiatives to infiltrate and grow accounts
   
   + Design the engagement, oversee the delivery and research methodology to meet customer success goals and recurring revenue streams
   
   + Identify new areas of growth within existing clients and develop relationships to enhance and grow services within the accounts
   
   + Develop custom solutions for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies to provide insight on treatment patterns, market landscapes, business impact models, cost impact models and understand the impact of formulary issues to generate valued insights for clients
   
   + Focus on data interpretation versus data reporting for client deliverables
   
   + A key responsibility is to work with external and internal stakeholders to design the analytic framework to support the pharma customer project, responsibilities will include:
   
   + Development of proposals to include background, study objectives, recommended methodology, timing and costs.
   
   + Development of report formats to govern the project, including cohort planning, and interpretations of appropriate data - must be able to interpret the data and not simply report the data
   
   + Collaborate with analytics team lead to identify the appropriate data asset, and the appropriate statistical and modeling methods to support project objectives
   
   + Act as a bridge between the client and internal CA teams to provide accurate translation of objectives
   
   + Interact with other departments to ensure a high level of client satisfaction through successful execution of project
   
   You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
   
   **Required Qualifications:**
   
   + 7+ years of successful management experience of pharma/medical device/other healthcare customers in an external consulting setting focused on commercial analytics, with preference for remote teamwork
   
   + 7+ years of experience utilizing healthcare claims and/or Electronic Health Record data to develop solutions for client needs
   
   + 7+ years of experience communicating complex analytics and processes to a wide variety of groups
   
   + 5+ years of consulting experience
   
   + 5+ years of experience managing a team
   
   + 5+ years of experience in market research consulting environment
   
   + Experience with Strategic Market Research
   
   + Knowledge of the Sales Process
   
   + Knowledge of the pharmaceutical consulting environment
   
   + Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate COVID-19 booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
   
   **Preferred Qualifications:**
   
   + MBA or MS degree
   
   + Experience with Life Sciences Industry, especially within the Commercial Analytics specialties
   
   + Solid communication skills with both technical and non-technical collaborators
   
   _To protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and communities we serve, UnitedHealth Group and its affiliate companies require all employees to disclose COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. In addition, some roles and locations require full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as an essential job function. UnitedHealth Group adheres to all federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination regulations as well as all client COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will obtain the necessary information from candidates prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Failure to meet the vaccination requirement may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employment_
   
   **Careers with Optum.** Here's the idea. We built an entire organization around one giant objective; make health care work better for everyone. So when it comes to how we use the world's large accumulation of health-related information, or guide health and lifestyle choices or manage pharmacy benefits for millions, our first goal is to leap beyond the status quo and uncover new ways to serve. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, brings together some of the greatest minds and most advanced ideas on where health care has to go in order to reach its fullest potential. For you, that means working on high performance teams against sophisticated challenges that matter. Optum, incredible ideas in one incredible company and a singular opportunity to do **your life's best work.(sm)**
   
   **Colorado, Connecticut or Nevada Residents Only:** The salary range for Colorado residents is $113,500 to $218,100. The salary range for Connecticut / Nevada residents is $113,500 to $218,100. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
   
   *All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
   
   _Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law._
   
   _UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment._

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find principle consultants for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your principle consultant job on Zippia to find and recruit principle consultant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit principle consultants, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new principle consultant

   Once you've decided on a perfect principle consultant candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new principle consultant. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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