Professional Business Plan Writer

Job Description:

A business plan consultant provides strategic direction by {{creating or methodically pressure-testing and refining}} a company’s business plan, using an understanding of the company’s core operations, competitive advantages, and goals to provide direction on how to structure, run, and grow the business.

The ideal candidate will have some experience in running or advising early stage businesses, combining the analytical abilities of a CFA charterholder with the broad vision of a CEO to provide a roadmap to growth.

Responsibilities:

Develop an understanding of the existing business (including products/services, customers, competitors, the overall market and trends) through careful research and analysis
Understand how major stakeholders are thinking about near-term growth, generally and in reference to specific growth initiatives, through interviews with these stakeholders
Build a detailed financial analysis showing all of the assumptions, drivers, and financial statements for the next 3 - 5 years, accounting for a conservative, base, and aggressive case
Conduct a total addressable market analysis for the business’ core market, assess major industry trends affecting the business, and describe what impact these trends may have on the business
Review research reports and conduct primary research to hone in on ideal buyer type and assess customer demand for the company’s existing products and services
Map out direct and indirect competitors, including potential future competitors, for existing and potential revenue channels
Define a go-to-market strategy, including testing out potential marketing channels (if applicable)
Review compensation plans and organizational structure to align incentives and ensure the health of the organization in the long-run

Skills and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, research, statistics, math, economics, or related analytical discipline preferred
Financial management experience with planning, forecasting, and business analysis; prior experience as an advisor to or executive at an early-stage company a plus
Advanced Excel proficiency. 3+ years of practical experience of using Excel for building and maintaining financial models
Proficiency with analytical and presentation tools {{(Excel pivot tables, SQL queries, graphing, PowerPoint)}}
Experience within {{preferred industry}}
A natural curiosity and a “big picture” mentality
Experience conducting market research, including analyzing and synthesizing research reports and conducting primary research

An understanding of marketing channels and go-to-market strategies
Excellent spoken and written communication; comfort reaching out to and interviewing the company’s management, employees, and customer base