At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead CIO Advisory, shaping enterprise strategy and driving transformation for clients.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking consultancy with a focus on technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a focus on collaboration and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising top executives on transformative technology strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in advisory roles and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
You will be accountable for leading our CIO Advisory capability, with a primary focus on Enterprise & Business Architecture, enabling CIOs to maximise business value from technology, align IT investment with strategy, and execute large-scale, value-driven transformation.
You will establish a strategic capability, ensuring that transformation programmes build sustainable business capabilities rather than isolated solutions, operating as a senior trusted advisor to clients; shaping enterprise strategy, operating models, transformation scope and architecture-led roadmaps that translate business ambition into deliverable change.
This role combines commercial growth, executive-level client leadership, enterprise design authority and people development; with the requirement to create the methods, assets, credentials and market presence necessary to support sustainable growth and differentiation to:
- Originate, shape and lead major CIO Advisory engagements across strategy, operating model, architecture and transformation domains.
- Translate business strategy, operating models and investment priorities into coherent capability models, value streams, target architectures and transformation roadmaps.
- Provide credible engagement leadership and design authority across complex advisory programmes, bids and client conversations.
- As a capability lead, you will shape the formation of a high performing CIO Advisory team, driving collaboration with our Business Development Teams to identify and shape new opportunities; working in conjunction with our Enterprise Solution Architecture capability, while ensuring alignment with our Group Architecture, IT Strategy and Agile transformation propositions to build a mature CIO Advisory proposition in the market.
Ways of Working
- Build, lead and sustain a high-performing, engaged CIO Advisory team, creating clear ways of working, shared objectives and a strong sense of ownership across the capability.
- Coach, mentor and develop L4 / L3 / L2 leaders and consultants, building capability depth across Enterprise & Business Architecture, Technology Strategy and architecture-led transformation.
- Create an inclusive, collaborative and commercially focused team culture that encourages initiative, continuous learning, high-quality delivery and cross-practice contribution.
- Shape Technology Advisory and OCTO strategy, translating growth priorities into practical CIO Advisory capability plans, investment priorities, methods, assets and market-facing offers aligned to market demand, client needs and Group strategic direction.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with CIOs, CTOs, Digital Directors and senior business stakeholders, acting as a credible senior advisor on complex transformation challenges.
- Originate, shape and close high-value advisory opportunities aligned to Technology Advisory / OCTO strategy, working collaboratively with Business Development, account teams and practice leaders.
- Own P/L for CIO Advisory, with clear accountability for growth, conversion, commercial quality and delivery confidence.
- Drive structured engagement governance, quality assurance and stakeholder management across complex transformation assignments.
Subject Matter Expertise
- Ability to lead CIO- and ExCo-level CIO Advisory engagements, shaping strategy, operating models, transformation scope and architecture-led roadmaps.
- Anchor technology strategy and Agile transformation in robust capability-based planning and architecture-led transformation roadmapping.
- Strengthen architecture-led narratives in bids, proposals and client conversations to improve credibility, differentiation and senior stakeholder confidence.
- Own and evolve Enterprise & Business Architecture propositions, methods, assets and credentials, including capability models, value streams, target architectures and transformation roadmaps.
- Possess knowledge of Cloud, Data, AI and Platform Practices in order to position and integrate their capabilities as appropriate.
Leading & Managing
- Apply the principles of the Sopra Steria UK values and the Sopra Steria story at every opportunity with both internal and external customers.
- Build and lead a high-performing CIO Advisory team, coaching L4/L3/L2 leaders and supporting succession development across the capability.
- Act as an ambassador for consulting excellence, enterprise thinking and architecture-led transformation across Technology Advisory, OCTO and SDS.
- Develop the capability, culture and ways of working required to establish CIO Advisory as a credible, market-facing advisory pillar.
- Manage strategic relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, positioning Sopra Steria as a trusted advisor across complex transformation opportunities.
- Influence Group-level Architecture, IT Strategy and Agile transformation communities, ensuring UK alignment, reuse of methods and access to relevant European assets and credentials.
- Actively promote insight, lessons learned and reusable assets across the Consulting group and wider OCTO community.
CIO Advisory Lead employer: Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Data Security Technical Lead to influence enterprise-wide data security strategy while working remotely. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits including a generous car allowance and private medical insurance, and a collaborative work culture that values innovation, employees are empowered to grow their careers in a supportive environment dedicated to making a real difference in national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CIO Advisory Lead
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like CIO Advisory Lead at Sopra Steria!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Sopra Steria or be willing to refer you for that CIO Advisory Lead position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Sopra Steria who’s on the lookout for their next CIO Advisory Lead star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time CIO Advisory Lead role at Sopra Steria!
We think you need these skills to ace CIO Advisory Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Sopra Steria. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Sopra Steria. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
