Principal Consultant Defence IT Strategy & Transformation
* Location:Hybrid (3 days onsite) Cheltenham
* Salary:£75,000 £90,000 per annum (DOE) + Bonus + Benefits
* Clearance Level:Amber OGD (willing to go into Green)
About Us
We are a specialist Consultancy supporting transformation across the UK Public Sector. With a deep understanding of secure, mission-critical environments, we partner with our clients to deliver strategic IT programmes, enterprise architecture, and capability transformation. Our team consists of highly experienced consultants who thrive in complex defence settings.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Principal Consultant with a proven track record of delivering IT strategy, architecture, and transformation projects within the Ministry of Defence. You will play a leading role in shaping digital initiatives across Defence, leveraging your network, experience, and business development skills to help us grow our client portfolio.
As a senior leader, you will be responsible for leading engagements, mentoring junior consultants, and driving business development through your industry relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver high-impact IT consultancy assignments across MOD departments (Army, Navy, Air, DE&S, ISS, STRATCOM).
Provide strategic guidance on enterprise IT transformation, digital roadmaps, and secure infrastructure.
Leverage a well-established network to identify and win new consultancy opportunities.
Collaborate with clients to scope, design, and implement sustainable IT and digital strategies.
Drive thought leadership in Defence digital transformation and contribute to white papers and internal development.
Lead client workshops, provide strategic insight, and deliver presentations to senior MOD stakeholders.
Oversee project delivery ensuring quality, time, and budget objectives are achieved.
Support the development and mentoring of junior consultants within the firm.
Required Experience and Qualifications
Minimum of 10 years experience working within or in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence.
Demonstrable knowledge of MOD IT landscape, including current programmes, organisations, and policies.
Proven experience in IT transformation, enterprise architecture, or programme management.
Strong understanding of secure, classified networks, MODCloud, Defence Digital, and JSP standards.
Established network across MOD, including stakeholders in Defence Digital, DE&S, and frontline commands.
Proven business development experience identifying, bidding, and winning new consultancy work.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with ability to influence at all levels.
Degree or equivalent in IT, Engineering, Business, or related field.
Professional certifications (e.g., TOGAF, ITIL, PRINCE2, MSP) preferred.
Desirable
Experience working with Defence suppliers and system integrators.
DV Clearance (or willingness to undergo).
Experience in Agile/Lean methodologies and delivering digital innovation in Defence.
What We Offer
Competitive salary and performance bonus
Flexible hybrid working model
Clear path to Director-level progression
High-impact client portfolio with national defence significance
Collaborative and mission-focused team culture
Support for continued professional development
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