At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cloud transformation projects and shape innovative solutions for clients.
- Company: Simpson Associates, a Microsoft Solutions Partner dedicated to positive change through data.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on creativity, innovation, and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming organisations with cutting-edge cloud technology.
- Qualifications: Deep Azure experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change. Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us. Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey, from advisory support and data strategy to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.
The role of a Cloud Platform Principal Consultant is to lead our most complex and strategically important cloud transformation engagements, acting as the senior-most technical and commercial leader within the Cloud Platform practice. You will own client relationships at CIO, CTO, and board level, lead multi-workstream programmes spanning Azure infrastructure, data platforms, AI, and governance, shape our service offerings, and develop the Lead Consultants and Consultants around you. This is a practice-defining role at the intersection of deep technical expertise and senior client advisory.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex, multi-workstream Azure cloud transformation programmes from initial scoping through to successful delivery.
- Own senior client relationships at CIO, CTO, and board level, acting as the primary trusted advisor throughout an engagement.
- Define programme governance frameworks, manage risk and commercial exposure, and ensure delivery quality across all workstreams.
- Lead pre-sales and bid activity: shaping propositions, writing technical responses, and presenting solutions to senior evaluation panels.
- Manage client commercial relationships including scope management, change control, and escalation when required.
Technical Leadership & Architecture
- Define and oversee cloud architecture decisions across Azure landing zones, data platforms, AI workloads, and governance frameworks.
- Set technical standards and quality bar for the Cloud Platform team, conducting solution reviews and providing senior sign-off.
- Guide clients on platform strategy across the Microsoft ecosystem: Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Azure OpenAI, and Microsoft 365.
- Ensure alignment with the Azure Well-Architected Framework, Cloud Adoption Framework, and relevant industry standards.
- Provide technical thought leadership that shapes how clients evolve their cloud and data capability over a multi-year horizon.
Practice Development & Service Design
- Define and evolve Simpson Associates' cloud platform service offerings, delivery frameworks, and reusable accelerators.
- Contribute to thought leadership, marketing content, and community engagement including blogs, events, and Microsoft partner activities.
- Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts and support the sales team in developing new pipeline.
- Represent Simpson Associates externally as a senior technical voice in the Microsoft community and public sector market.
- Mentor and develop Lead Consultants and Consultants, providing coaching, technical guidance, and career support.
- Contribute to recruitment by participating in interviews, assessing technical capability, and shaping the team's hiring criteria.
- Foster a culture of knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and high delivery standards within the Cloud Platform team.
- Contribute to internal communities of practice and help develop the next generation of principal-level talent within the practice.
Skills and Attributes Required
- Deep, hands-on experience across Microsoft Azure spanning multiple domains: infrastructure, data platforms, AI/ML, security, and governance.
- Proven track record leading complex, multi-workstream cloud transformation programmes for enterprise or public sector clients.
- Strong commercial acumen: experience shaping proposals, contributing to bids, managing client commercial relationships, and handling scope and risk.
- Demonstrable ability to own and develop senior client relationships at CIO, CTO, and board level.
- Track record of mentoring and developing Lead Consultants or senior engineers in a professional services environment.
- Experience defining and governing technical delivery standards, quality assurance processes, and engineering practices across a team.
- Proven experience across the Microsoft data and AI ecosystem: Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Azure OpenAI, Synapse Analytics, and Purview.
- Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to UK public sector clients (GDPR, DPA 2018, NHS DSP Toolkit, NCSC CAF).
- Experience governing the use of Azure DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep), containerisation (AKS, Docker), and CI/CD practices across delivery teams.
- Ability to provide technical oversight and strategic direction across AI and data platform programmes, ensuring architectural coherence and delivery quality.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce executive-level documentation and present to boards.
- Experience overseeing complex, multi-project programmes and providing delivery governance across concurrent client engagements.
Advantageous Qualifications and Skills
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Microsoft Azure certifications (AZ-305, DP-203, AI-102, SC-100 or equivalent).
- Project or programme management qualifications (PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP, or AgilePM).
- Deep expertise in one or more Microsoft specialist areas: Microsoft Fabric, Azure OpenAI, Databricks, Sentinel, or Purview (including data governance, sensitivity labels, and compliance management).
- FinOps knowledge and experience managing and optimising cloud consumption costs across complex client environments.
- Experience working with NHS, police, local government, or other complex public sector clients.
- Understanding of AI governance, responsible AI principles, and the emerging regulatory landscape (EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF).
Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.
Cloud Platform Principal Consultant employer: Simpson Associates
Simpson Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions creativity, innovation, and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for mentorship and professional development, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of cloud transformation. Our recognition as a Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year highlights our commitment to positive change, making us an ideal workplace for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the public and private sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cloud Platform Principal Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and any relevant projects you've led. This is your time to shine and demonstrate how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to cloud transformation. Think about how you would lead a multi-workstream programme or manage client relationships at a senior level. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications from passionate candidates who want to help organisations harness data for positive change. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Cloud Platform Principal Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Cloud Platform Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience with Azure and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and related technologies. Be specific about the tools and frameworks you've used, and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios to drive transformation.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading complex programmes, share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and client relationships at a senior level. We love to see candidates who can inspire and mentor others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Microsoft Azure knowledge, especially around cloud architecture, data platforms, and AI workloads. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and how they align with the responsibilities of a Cloud Platform Principal Consultant.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading complex programmes and mentoring others, prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully guided teams or managed client relationships at a senior level.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Simpson Associates' mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and vision align with their goal of using data for positive change, and how you can contribute to their innovative approach.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to Azure, AI, and governance frameworks. Brush up on relevant standards like the Azure Well-Architected Framework and be ready to explain how you've applied these in past roles.
