We’re working with a specialist defence consultancy looking for an experienced Principal Consultant Data & Digital to take a leading role across complex MOD programmes.
This is not simply a delivery position.
You’ll work directly with senior defence customers, helping them understand complex problems, identify where data and digital capability can make a genuine difference, and turn those opportunities into clearly defined, fundable programmes of work.
You’ll lead client engagements from initial discovery through to recommendation and business case, while also helping develop a growing consultancy team and influencing the direction of the wider business.
The role
You’ll act as a senior trusted adviser to defence customers, taking ownership of key workstreams and helping stakeholders move from ambiguity to clear, evidence-based decisions.
Typical work will include:
- Leading discovery sessions with senior MOD and defence stakeholders
- Understanding complex operational and business problems
- Identifying, defining and prioritising digital and data use cases
- Capturing and structuring customer requirements
- Translating requirements into practical delivery roadmaps
- Developing dashboards, visualisations and executive-level storyboards
- Building end-to-end business cases to support investment and programme approvals
- Presenting findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Leading multiple client workstreams and ensuring quality of delivery
- Coaching and supporting consultants within the team
- Building strong, long-term customer relationships
- Supporting proposals, bids and future business development where required
What we're looking for
You’ll already be operating at senior consultant, lead consultant, principal consultant or equivalent level within data, digital, technology transformation or complex programme delivery.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Significant consultancy or senior client-facing delivery experience
- Strong experience working across data, digital or technology-enabled transformation
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and challenging constructively
- Experience leading discovery and requirements-capture activity
- Strong use-case definition and prioritisation experience
- Ability to turn complex information into clear executive-level outputs
- Experience developing dashboards, storyboards, roadmaps or decision-support material
- Experience developing robust business cases from initial concept through to investment decision
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of how consultancy engagements are delivered
- Experience coaching or leading small teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Defence experience
Experience working with the MOD, DE&S or defence programmes around Abbey Wood would be strongly preferred.
You may have worked within:
- Defence consultancy
- MOD or DE&S
- Digital transformation programmes
- Data and analytics programmes
- Defence acquisition or capability development
- Technology strategy or programme consultancy
Previous experience contributing to bids, proposals or account growth would be useful, although it is not essential.
Why consider it?
This is an opportunity to move beyond simply delivering someone else’s work package.
You’ll have genuine influence over:
- How customer problems are shaped
- Which opportunities are pursued
- How engagements are delivered
- How the consultancy grows
You’ll be joining a specialist business rather than becoming another Principal Consultant within a huge consultancy structure, giving you greater visibility and influence across both customers and the leadership team.
Package
Working pattern: Hybrid, typically 2 days per week on site/customer location
Sector: Defence / MOD
If you’re currently working across defence, data, digital or technology consulting and want a role with more influence over both clients and the direction of the business, I’d be interested in speaking with you.
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Principal Consultant in Portsmouth employer: Symmetric Recruitment Ltd
At Symmetric Recruitment Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the maritime sector. Our Portsmouth location provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while enjoying flexible working hours and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring our employees thrive both professionally and personally. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we support continuous learning and development, making us an attractive choice for those looking to advance their careers in electrical engineering.
