At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead M365 architecture and governance, ensuring secure and innovative collaboration platforms.
- Company: Scottish Water, committed to serving Scotland with a focus on digital transformation.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, flexible working, family-friendly policies, and annual bonuses.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital collaboration while making a real impact in public service.
- Qualifications: Extensive M365 experience, strong governance skills, and ability to communicate complex concepts.
The predicted salary is between 52671 - 72281 £ per year.
Location: Scotland, United Kingdom (Central Belt – Scotland)
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Role Summary
Principal M365 Engineer leads technical architecture and governance for Microsoft 365 across Scottish Water, ensuring secure, resilient, well‑governed platforms aligned with organisational outcomes.
The Role
You will work closely with Enterprise Architecture, Cyber Security, Digital Product teams, Information Governance, and delivery partners to establish standards, governance models, and reusable patterns across key Microsoft 365 services including Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange Online, Power Platform, and Microsoft Copilot.
What You'll Do
- Define, own, and evolve the M365 platform architecture and engineering strategy, aligning with enterprise architecture principles.
- Act as the design authority for high‑risk or business‑critical solutions, covering collaboration, information management, and Copilot‑enabled services.
- Lead the design and evolution of secure‑by‑default M365 environments (identity, device access, data protection, compliance, collaboration).
- Define governance frameworks for Microsoft Copilot to ensure responsible AI use and data protection.
- Drive adoption of modern capabilities (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Power Platform), implementing data lifecycle management, information protection, and compliance across M365.
- Promote automation best practices using PowerShell, Graph API, and Power Platform.
- Monitor and report on platform health, adoption, performance, security posture, and compliance.
- Identify and address risks, governance gaps, and technical debt within the M365 estate.
- Provide architectural support to programmes, projects, and product teams throughout delivery, working closely with Cyber Security to meet regulatory and public‑sector compliance.
- Mentor and coach engineers and architects, engaging senior stakeholders to articulate strategy, governance decisions, and technology trade‑offs.
What You’ll Need
- Senior M365 platform professional with extensive experience designing, governing, and operating enterprise‑scale collaboration environments.
- Experience in lifecycle management for Teams, SharePoint sites, and collaboration workspaces.
- Skilled in identity, access management, device access, and data protection for M365.
- Experience implementing governing Microsoft Copilot and AI‑enabled productivity capabilities, and working with security and compliance technologies such as Purview and data loss prevention.
- Strong ability to support delivery teams as a technical or design authority, influencing delivery across boundaries without direct line‑management responsibility.
- Clear communication of complex technical concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Self‑motivated technical leader with sound judgement, operating within governance frameworks while promoting innovation.
- Experience in regulated environments or public‑sector organisations desirable.
Experience & Certifications
Essential: Enterprise‑scale M365 platform design and governance; identity and access architecture using Microsoft Entra ID; collaboration platform design across Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive; Microsoft Copilot implementation, governance, and adoption strategy; M365 security and compliance (Purview); automation and administration with PowerShell and Microsoft Graph; Power Platform governance; information lifecycle management and records governance.
Desirable Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert; Security Administrator Associate; Identity and Access Administrator Associate; Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate; Power Platform Solution Architect Expert; Microsoft 365 Copilot‑related certifications or AI governance experience.
Benefits
- 38 days of holiday per year (including public holidays), with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
- Paid time off for volunteering.
- Family‑friendly policies for adoption, maternity, and parental leave.
- Flexible working with balanced hybrid model.
- Pension and life assurance.
- Annual company bonus.
- Access to SW Splash rewards for holidays, bills, and shopping.
- Grade 8 starting salary £52,671, performance‑driven progression to £72,281.
Principal Digital Specialist - M365 Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Scotland's Central Belt. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our generous benefits package, including 38 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and family-friendly policies, ensures that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the vital mission of serving Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Digital Specialist - M365 Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your expertise in M365. This gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Research common queries for M365 roles and practice your responses. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Digital Specialist - M365 Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal M365 Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft 365, especially in areas like Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in identity management, data protection, and compliance. Mention any relevant certifications you have, as they can really set you apart. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Know Your M365 Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key Microsoft 365 services mentioned in the job description, like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Brush up on your knowledge of governance frameworks and security measures, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Digital Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've influenced teams or stakeholders in previous roles, especially in technical or design authority capacities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll be expected to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, perhaps by explaining M365 features to a friend who isn’t familiar with them.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think of scenarios where you had to address risks or governance gaps in M365 environments and be ready to discuss your approach and outcomes.
