Technical Principal

The Technical Principal is a senior technical authority and trusted advisor responsible for defining technical strategy, assuring solution quality, and guiding complex client engagements from an architectural and engineering perspective. This role sits at the intersection of technology leadership, solution architecture, and delivery assurance. The Technical Principal is accountable for setting technical direction across multiple programmes, mentoring senior consultants and architects, and ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned to both client and organisational standards. This is not a hands‑off role. While not a day‑to‑day developer, the Technical Principal remains technically credible, deeply involved in design decisions, and capable of intervening when complexity or risk arises. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Strategy Act as technical authority across multiple client engagements and internal initiatives. Define and own technical architecture standards, design principles, and best practices. Lead technology strategy discussions with internal leadership and client stakeholders. Assess emerging technologies and platforms, making informed recommendations on adoption. Solution Architecture & Design Governance Lead or assure the architecture of complex enterprise solutions, particularly: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Power Platform Azure (IaaS, PaaS, integration, security) Own high‑level and low‑level solution design, ensuring: Scalability and performance Security and compliance Maintainability and extensibility Chair or contribute to architecture review boards and design authority forums. Identify and mitigate technical risk early in the delivery lifecycle. Delivery Assurance & Quality Provide technical oversight across delivery teams to ensure solutions meet agreed standards. Support programme recovery where delivery is at risk due to technical complexity. Review critical technical artefacts including: Architecture diagrams Integration designs Deployment strategies Data migration approaches Ensure solutions are aligned with DevOps, CI/CD, and cloud best practices. Client Engagement & Stakeholder Management Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior client stakeholders (IT Directors, CTOs, Programme Sponsors). Translate complex technical concepts into clear, business‑focused recommendations. Support pre‑sales and bid activity including: Technical vision and approach Solution proposals Effort and complexity estimates Represent the organisation in client technology governance forums where required. People & Capability Leadership Mentor and coach Senior Technical Consultants, Architects, and Lead Engineers. Support the development of technical career paths, capability frameworks, and communities of practice. Contribute to recruitment by: Defining technical role expectations Supporting technical interviews for senior hires Champion a culture of engineering excellence, continuous learning, and accountability. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise 15+ years experience in enterprise technology roles, with significant time in solution architecture or technical leadership positions. Proven experience leading the technical direction of large‑scale, complex programmes. Strong background in Microsoft technologies, including: Dynamics 365 (CE and/or BC) Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse) Azure (architecture, integration, security) Experience working in a consulting or professional services environment. Demonstrated success in client‑facing roles at senior stakeholder level. Technical Skills & Knowledge Deep understanding of: Enterprise and solution architecture patterns Integration strategies and middleware Cloud security, identity, and governance Strong knowledge of: Azure integration services (Logic Apps, Service Bus, Functions, APIs) DevOps and CI/CD pipelines Application lifecycle management Ability to balance technical excellence with commercial and delivery realities. Personal Attributes Credible, calm, and authoritative communicator. Strong decision‑making skills in ambiguous and high‑pressure environments. Strategic thinker with the ability to “zoom out” while still engaging in technical detail. Collaborative leader who influences without hierarchy. Passionate about quality, standards, and long‑term solution success. What Success Looks Like in This Role Clients trust your technical judgement and seek your input early. Delivery teams are aligned, confident, and supported on complex technical decisions. Technical debt and risk are actively managed, not discovered late. Architecture standards are adopted consistently across engagements. Senior technologists feel mentored, supported, and challenged.