Working at Trace Consultants - By Joe Bryant

May 6, 2025

What's it like to work at Trace Consultants?

Reflecting on Six Months at Trace Consultants

As I have been working at Trace Consultants for almost six months now, I find it interesting to imagine how my current daily experience would appear to Joe of last year. I began with a limited understanding of consulting, a passion for logistics, and an eagerness to learn and grow. I can now say with confidence, that the team, environment, and opportunities available ever since have more than facilitated the growth I was looking for.

Professional Development and Onboarding Experience

The initial professional development provided precisely what I required. I worked closely with Kingston, my people lead, as well as Shanks, my reporting partner, to acquire context and the hard skills relevant to current projects. Within a week, I was consistently helping where I was needed, creating value for the firm. Within a fortnight, I was provided the opportunity to lead small client meetings!

Trust, Guidance, and Independence in Consulting

This responsibility is testament to the trust and guidance I’ve been provided. The team did a great job in answering my questions and concerns when required, while giving me the space to discover my own approach. I operate well with freedom, and the opportunity to prove myself capable.

Contributing to Sustainability and Diverse Projects

I’ve been fortunate to work across a broad range of projects. During the interview process, I shared my passion for sustainability, and Trace delivered. Not only have I contributed to sustainability-focused work, but I’ve started to build real expertise in the field. I’ve always thought that later in my career I’d love to be the “go-to guy” for everything sustainability-related. At this pace, its looking like I’ll get there much sooner than expected.

Diverse Consulting Projects and Skill Development

That being said, by no means have I been pigeon-holed. I’ve worked on projects ranging from tech system rollouts to logistics network redesigns, and 3PL contract retendering. Each new consignment involves wrangling complex databases, coordinating with subject matter experts, and the creation of presentations. Client engagements are intimidating at first, but I’ve quickly learnt that rock-solid preparation builds confidence and makes meetings approachable.

Importance of Soft Skills in Supply Chain Consulting

The supply chain specific skillset is certainly required, and arguably imperative to our company’s advantage. However, in my fresh naivety in December last year, I may have underestimated the importance of the soft-skills needed in consulting. All of mine have been demanded, tested, and developed. The ability to quickly digest a complex, multi-faceted issue, apply our firm’s expertise to develop a solution, and communicate that solution with clarity, is essential. The pace of puzzle solving I encounter on a weekly basis would have shocked Joe just a short half-year ago.

Learning from Experienced Colleagues

Despite my fondness for my university education, I’m undeniably learning a whole lot faster now. The exposure I get to colleagues with decades of experience is remarkable and allows me to acquire wisdom that weekly quizzes and textbook-frameworks just can’t replicate.

Fulfilling Career Goals at Trace Consultants

Looking for a graduate position after university, there were a few key boxes I wanted to tick. I needed growth. I needed guidance, with room for independence. I wanted an opportunity to demonstrate what I am capable of. I wanted a team to push me along and have a good laugh with at the end of the day.

A Rewarding Consulting Career Path

I’m glad to say they’ve all been ticked at trace. Joe six months ago would be beaming, likely with pride and a little bit of shock. He sure didn’t expect to be flying around the country, owning projects all to himself, and working alongside such great colleagues. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Join Trace Consultants: Hiring Consultants to Manager Level in Melbourne and Sydney

Trace Consultants a leading supply chain advisory firm, is seeking talented Consultants to Manager-level professionals to join our dynamic teams in Melbourne and Sydney. If you’re passionate about solving complex supply chain challenges, driving sustainability, and delivering impactful solutions for top-tier clients, we want you! Work alongside industry experts leveraging advanced tools such as network design and cost-to-serve analytics. Enjoy a supportive environment that fosters growth, independence, and innovation. Apply now to fast-track your consulting career with Trace