Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced delivery principal with a strong track record of delivering complex bespoke software programmes for clients, gained within a consultancy or agency environment. You will bring hands‑on experience across the full delivery lifecycle – from shaping an engagement through to build, launch and live service – with a solid understanding of user‑centred design, modern engineering practices and delivering measurable business outcomes. As a delivery principal, you will lead a portfolio of projects and engagements and be accountable for commercial performance, delivery outcomes and team success across your work. You'll be comfortable balancing commercial and delivery pressures, able to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage senior stakeholders, and translate technical complexity into clear, confident decisions that drive customer value and business impact. Delivery principals report to delivery directors, who are responsible for overall portfolio performance and client account management. Delivery principals are part of Softwire's senior management team, working together to support the exec board in shaping the company's operation and strengthening its relationship with employees and clients.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver projects – directly or through managing Delivery, Technical and Design Leads – ensuring client satisfaction while meeting Softwire's commercial goals and maintaining a happy team.
* Guide clients through the delivery process, shaping the engagement from the first meetings and resourcing the team.
* Get involved in large programmes that span thousands of days of effort, or on portfolios of smaller projects with independent delivery leads, remaining value‑adding and chargeable to the projects.
* Take responsibility for the performance contract of multiple employees, setting expectations and challenges, providing support and feedback, and ensuring appropriate reward upon delivery.
* Help Delivery Leads mentor and manage junior colleagues, and may participate in career mentoring or knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
* Generate additional business for Softwire by inspiring confidence and impressing through expertise and seeing the bigger picture.
* Build and expand existing accounts, ensuring clients receive an excellent service that motivates repeat business and referrals.
* Meet prospective clients, devise project plans and technical approaches, and prepare written proposals and in‑person pitches.
* Think beyond the immediate remit to understand where Softwire can provide value to a client.
* Take the lead on key sales bids, understand client problems, shape our response, and attract business through personal reputation, thought leadership, public speaking and personal networks.
* Lead meetings with senior (C‑level) external stakeholders, understand and give context to complex situations, drawing out key points and driving shared clarity.
* Identify and troubleshoot issues ranging from relationships to process, and lead the team in solving them.
* Communicate and present, creating strong narratives to inform and empower stakeholders.
* Drive kick‑off of projects, helping clients clarify requirements, uncover underlying needs and constraints, and lead them to appropriate solutions.
* Design a programme of work that meets needs within time, team, and budget constraints.
* Directly manage Delivery and Technical Leads, ensuring effective workflows, reporting and governance arrangements are in place to support successful delivery.
* Turn analytical insights and data points into action, leading interventions when projects require them.
Qualifications & Experience
* A demonstrable track record of successfully delivering challenging projects/programmes.
* Experience working in a delivery leadership role within an agency, consultancy or in‑house product/technology team.
* Managing teams with accountability for the work of 10+ onshore staff.
* Strong knowledge of modern software engineering practice (SDLC) with awareness of technical approaches and trends.
* Experience delivering mobile app development (iOS/Android) is an advantage.
* Transport sector knowledge is an advantage.
* Interest in technology and how it is created.
* Experience in client engagement, pre‑sales, and commercial roles such as T&M or FP.
* Proven ability to balance commercial and quality drivers in a client‑focused environment.
* Excellent client management and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to get projects completed on external timetables.
* Familiarity with end‑to‑end delivery, from discovery and design to iterative delivery and evidence‑led decision‑making.
* Ability to support others in adopting strong delivery practices and applying pragmatic judgement across commercial contexts.
* Capability to explain technical concepts to less‑technical clients in an empowering manner.
About Softwire
* Softwire is a leading UK technology and strategy consultancy.
* From enterprise to government, we help visionary organisations turn strategic ambitions into results at scale.
* Our practices cover AI transformation, data platforms, systems engineering, advanced CX and experience design.
* Founded on the belief that creating a thriving culture and working environment unlocks everything else.
* Recently voted number 1 company to work for in the UK at the Best Company awards.
* We offer interesting projects, high levels of autonomy and ownership, and strong, stretching, management support.
Benefits & Compensation
* Base salary based on experience, ranging from £92,100 to £103,700.
* Pension: Additional 5 % of salary.
* Annual leave: 25 days, with option to buy or sell.
* Time off for company‑wide morale activities and charity/CSR activities.
* Free annual eye test and opt‑in health insurance.
* Cycle to work scheme and payroll charity donations.
* Profit‑share scheme based on role and overall company performance.
* Average work: 3 days in person per week.
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