Principal/Lead Consultant – Cloud & Engineering

Company: Zühlke Engineering
Apply for the Principal/Lead Consultant – Cloud & Engineering
Location: Manchester
Job Description:

Overview

In this role you lead senior technical delivery for complex client engagements, shaping cloud adoption, optimization and migration strategies. You blend cloud architecture with consulting and hands-on engineering leadership to turn strategic intent into practical outcomes. You’ll collaborate with client stakeholders and cross-functional teams to drive iterative delivery, prototype ideas and de-risk programmes. You’ll stay at the forefront of cloud, data, AI and responsible AI practice while mentoring colleagues and guiding diverse technology environments.

Pay / Benefits

  • Work life blend
  • Profit share scheme
  • Global and diverse Zühlke community
  • Committed to development and skills growth

Responsibilities

  • Act as trusted advisor on cloud, technology and engineering challenges
  • Lead discovery, design sessions, architecture reviews and PoC projects
  • Contribute to early engagements with a compelling technology transformation vision
  • Guide and de-risk programmes through iterative delivery and value
  • Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams delivering platforms, services and products
  • Help stakeholders define functional and non-functional requirements (performance, security, scalability, etc.)
  • Support teams in engineering practices, automation, DevSecOps and IaC
  • Collaborate with software, platform, data, AI, security, operations, product, delivery and finance teams
  • Provide guidance on privacy, information security, resilience and regulatory considerations
  • Apply expertise across applications, platforms, infrastructure, data, integration, identity and observability
  • Keep current with cloud, data engineering, analytics, Generative AI and responsible AI
  • Mentor colleagues to develop technical, consulting and leadership capabilities

Key requirements

  • Experience as Principal or Lead Cloud Architect, Technical Architect or Engineering Leader across multiple programmes
  • Strong track record in designing and delivering modern cloud solutions
  • Experience in complex, distributed or changing technology environments
  • Understanding of how software, platforms, data and AI deliver business value
  • Hands-on prototyping, technical problem-solving or guidance with delivery teams
  • Experience in fast-paced, Agile, delivery-oriented environments
  • Mentoring and coaching colleagues
  • Open, proactive and adaptable attitude
  • Consulting, presales, proposals or bid management experience (advantageous)
  • Clear business-value articulation
  • Confident decision-making and ability to explain trade-offs
  • Effective communication to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Modern cloud technologies
  • Engineering practices and automation
  • DevSecOps and Infrastructure as Code

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Posted: September 14th, 2026