At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital and AI strategy for Defence and national security, advising senior leaders.
- Company: Join Darter, a trusted partner in Defence technology consulting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited holiday, private health insurance, and a personal development budget.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible, remote-first culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology consulting and strategic advisory roles, especially in Defence.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 130000 € per year.
Darter is hiring a Principal Technology Consultant to lead digital, technology and AI strategy work across UK Defence and national security. You would join a small, senior team working directly with clients across the MOD, the Armed Forces, industry and the wider Defence enterprise. This is a senior role for someone with the judgement, credibility and technology breadth of a CTO-style adviser. You will help senior leaders make sense of complex technology choices, shape digital transformation programmes, and turn ambition into practical plans that can survive contact with real organisations, real constraints and senior scrutiny. You will need to hold, or be able to obtain, UK Security Clearance for this role.
What you would do:
- Lead digital, technology and AI strategy engagements across Defence and national security.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior military, civil service and industry leaders.
- Help clients define clear outcomes, priorities, roadmaps, governance arrangements and delivery plans.
- Bring technology judgement to complex problems across AI, data, cloud, software, cyber, digital services and enterprise architecture.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams, setting direction, maintaining quality and owning delivery outcomes.
- Produce and assure senior-quality briefings, reports, board papers, business cases and decision materials.
- Identify and shape opportunities, contribute to Darter’s growth and develop Darter’s technology and digital transformation propositions.
- Coach and develop consultants, helping them improve the quality of their thinking, delivery and client work.
What we are looking for:
This role suits a senior technology, digital or transformation consultant who can combine strategic judgement with technical credibility. You do not need to be the deepest specialist in every domain, but you do need to understand enough to ask the right questions, challenge conventional thinking and guide senior clients. You bring:
- Strong technology breadth across areas such as AI, data, cloud, software, platforms, cyber, architecture, integration and delivery.
- Significant experience leading technology, digital transformation or strategic advisory engagements.
- Credibility in Defence, national security, government or similarly complex high-stakes environments.
- Experience shaping digital transformation, including future states, roadmaps, operating models, governance, investment priorities or technology strategies.
- A practical understanding of AI and data-driven transformation, including value, risk, governance and adoption considerations.
- Strong consulting fundamentals, including structured problem-solving, analysis, stakeholder engagement, facilitation and recommendation development.
- The judgement to advise senior leaders, including when to challenge assumptions or slow down poor decisions.
- Commercial and firm-building capability, including opportunity shaping, proposal development and proposition development.
What it is like to work here:
Darter operates on the basis of trust, responsibility and high professional standards. Consultants work in small teams with direct exposure to senior colleagues and clients. The environment suits people who value autonomy, clear expectations, thoughtful challenge and accountability for the quality of their work. You will work alongside people with experience across Defence, national security, digital strategy, engineering, transformation, data and technology advisory. Our work predominantly goes directly to senior decision-makers, so clarity, credibility and precision matter. We are selective about the work we take on. We want to do work that is useful, ethical and genuinely connected to strengthening the UK’s security, resilience and prosperity.
What we offer:
- Salary between £110,000 and £130,000, depending on experience.
- Pension matched up to 10%
- Annual performance-based bonus
- Share options
- Unlimited holiday
- Private health insurance, including dental and optical cover.
- Dedicated personal development budget and protected learning time.
- Flexible, remote-first working, with in-person time when it matters.
- Time off for volunteering and matched charity donations.
- Regular team socials and offsites.
- A trusting, high-standards culture where your judgement is respected.
Our values:
- Force for good. We work on problems that matter and consider the wider consequences of our advice.
- Deliver excellence. We take pride in our work and aim for excellence in everything we do.
- Empathy and integrity. We act with respect and honesty in how we work with clients and with each other.
Not ticked every box?
If you bring much of what we describe and have the judgement to grow into the rest, we would still like to hear from you. This description outlines the shape of the role rather than a checklist.
Adjustments or accommodations:
Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Principal Technology Consultant - Defence & National Security employer: Darter
Darter is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of trust, responsibility, and high professional standards, making it an ideal place for a Principal Technology Consultant. With a focus on meaningful work that strengthens the UK's security and resilience, employees benefit from a flexible, remote-first working environment, generous salary packages, unlimited holiday, and dedicated personal development opportunities. The collaborative atmosphere encourages autonomy and accountability, allowing you to thrive while working alongside experienced professionals in Defence and national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Technology Consultant - Defence & National Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence and national security sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of AI, data, and digital transformation. Be ready to discuss how you can help clients navigate complex technology choices. Show them you’re not just a consultant, but a trusted adviser!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce your credibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for opportunities that match your skills. We’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission. Apply directly through us to make sure your application stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Technology Consultant - Defence & National Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in technology and digital transformation, especially in Defence and national security. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Judgement:In your application, emphasise your ability to make sound decisions and provide strategic advice. We’re looking for someone who can challenge assumptions and guide senior clients, so share examples that demonstrate your judgement and credibility.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we value precision and credibility, so make sure your application reflects that.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darter
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the key technologies mentioned in the job description, like AI, data, and cloud. Be prepared to discuss how these technologies can be applied in Defence and national security contexts, and think about real-world examples where you've seen them make an impact.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a blend of strategic judgement and technical credibility. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to shape digital transformation programmes by discussing past experiences where you've defined clear outcomes and roadmaps for clients. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be ready to tackle complex problems during the interview. Think about potential challenges that senior leaders might face in Defence and national security, and come equipped with ideas on how to address them. This will show your ability to think critically and provide valuable insights.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Technology Consultant, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past, maintained quality, and ensured delivery outcomes. Highlight your coaching abilities and how you've helped others improve their consulting skills.
