Customer relationship management (CRM) consultants are responsible for providing operation services for clients that include custom development, application management, and business process outsourcing. They also develop the support environment for post-implementation “go-live” environments, work to transition the project support from the project developers to the project support team, and help maintain the client’s applications and necessary technology infrastructure.The successful CRM consultant has a strong background in business analytics and possesses excellent technical skills. Their role includes programming, project management, project development, systems configuration, and development; they also train and mentor staff members in current projects. As several projects may be under development concurrently, the ability to multitask and work independently is critical. CRM consultants also must have to have excellent communication and customer service skills, as a portion of their job entails communicating with customers and relaying concerns and requirements to the appropriate team members to be addressed.CRM consultants generally must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and have at least five years' experience in data mapping. They also need to have five years experience in project or program management. CRM consultants must be proficient with computers, especially with Microsoft Office applications, and they must be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously proficiently and with minimum direct supervision. Flexibility in working hours and a willingness to travel to the customer’s location both during implementation and during the “go-live” phase is also required.