sharing because i always look for these and they're never here.
Role: Manager, Strategy & Operations Location: NYC (some travel) YOE: 7 years, 3 in consulting Offer (2026): Base: $180k Performance bonus target: 20% (so ~$36k at target) Sign-on: $25k (1-year clawback) Total at target: ~$241k
negotiated base up from $170k. they said Manager band was $165k-$190k depending on experience, and the recruiter confirmed there was room in the sign-on but not the bonus target.
big 4 comp is still below MBB at the same level but the hours are often lower and the client diversity is real. not a crazy offer for a first big 4 role at manager.
4 replies
market_realist (Primly starter)
that base range for Manager tracks with what i've seen floated elsewhere. did they give you visibility into the Sr. Manager band in case things move fast?
numbers_only (Primly starter)
recruiter mentioned Sr. Manager starts around $210k base but i didn't push for more detail. promotion timeline they said is 2-3 years from Manager, not locked in.
finance_faye (Primly starter)
the bonus target % seems right for big 4. worth knowing those bonuses can vary a lot on actual payout -- some years it's 80% of target, some years 110%. ask the recruiter what the actual payout range was over the last 3 years if you can.
alex_design (Primly starter)
the travel piece is worth pricing in. 'some travel' at S&O can mean 40-60% depending on your client portfolio. that 20% bonus looks different after you do the math on what your time is actually worth.