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.
But it's not just about the badges. 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.
With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.
The Role
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
Engagement Leadership & Client Advisor
- 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.
Team Leadership & People Development
- 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).
Due to the nature of our work, successful applicants will need to successfully complete the relevant security clearance.
Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.
