Principal Consultant

Position Summary

The Principal Consultant serves as a strategic advisor to Clearwater clients, leading complex consulting engagements and contributing to the firm’s growth through thought leadership, business development, and mentorship.

Description

They balance technical execution with strategic planning, ensuring alignment with client business goals and regulatory requirements.

As a key client‑facing expert, the Principal Consultant is responsible for driving successful outcomes and positioning Clearwater as an industry leader. They also play a critical role in mentoring junior staff and refining internal methodologies to support company growth.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor by guiding clients in developing long‑term cybersecurity and compliance strategies.
• Build and maintain executive‑level client relationships, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory needs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for complex engagements, managing expectations, providing insights, and delivering high‑value recommendations.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client engagements and contribute to business development efforts.
• Lead the execution of Clearwater’s consulting services in compliance with Statements of Work (SOWs), methodologies, and client policies.
• Oversee key engagement processes, including Initial Engagement Meetings, Planning Sessions, Kickoff Meetings, and project completion presentations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to manage project scope, risks, and timelines, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance for deliverables, ensuring they align with client goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Effectively communicate project updates and potential risks to management and leadership.
• Develop and drive thought leadership initiatives, such as white papers, blog posts, and speaking engagements at conferences and webinars.
• Contribute strategic insights to Clearwater’s solution offerings, keeping them aligned with industry trends and client needs.
• Actively participate in industry forums and professional networks to enhance Clearwater’s market position.
• Provide strategic mentorship to consultants, senior consultants, and analysts, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Lead internal knowledge‑sharing initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of the consulting team.
• Collaborate with leadership to refine and optimize consulting methodologies and delivery processes.

Proactively address team performance challenges and provide coaching to support project success.

Additional Responsibilities and Outcomes

• Identify opportunities for follow‑on engagements and additional services by understanding client needs.
• Work closely with Sales and Client Success teams to develop client‑specific proposals and solutions.
• Support pre‑sales efforts by contributing technical and strategic insights during client discussions.
• Successful execution of client engagements within scope, budget, and quality expectations.
• Achievement of utilization targets and positive client satisfaction scores.
• Contributions to thought leadership through publications, webinars, and presentations.
• Internal process improvements and contributions to the consulting practice’s growth.
• Positive impact on business development efforts through client expansion and retention.
• Billable hours target: 1,560 hours annually (equivalent to 75% utilization).
• Perform other duties within the scope of the role as assigned.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in Consulting, Cybersecurity, or related role.

Qualifications, Skills, & Knowledge

• BA/BS Degree in related field, preferred.
• Professional industry certifications like CISSP, CISA, CISM, etc. preferred.
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, HITRUST, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
• Ability to implement, evaluate, and adapt focus area solutions to meet client needs.
• Capacity to analyze complex regulatory and technical challenges and develop tailored solutions.
• Strong project management capabilities, ensuring successful outcomes within timelines and budgets.

• Ability to effectively communicate with executive stakeholders and guide clients to achieve strategic goals.
• Strong problem‑solving and risk mitigation abilities.
• Ability to embrace Clearwater’s CLEAR core values (Commitment to Client Success, Lead with Accountability, Integrity & Collaboration, Excellence in All That We Do, Advance Colleague Success, Respect & Transparency) and culture.

Professional Development Expectations

• Pursue advanced certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or HITRUST Practitioner to enhance technical credibility.
• Expand expertise to include technical and strategic advisory capabilities.
• Actively contribute to internal mentorship programs and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Participate in professional organizations and industry conferences to stay ahead of evolving trends.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 to $170,000. Base salary is part of the total rewards package which also includes merit‑based salary increases, eligibility for a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and leaves provided in line with the employee’s work state. The robust time‑off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and paid sick time. Total compensation, including the base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including applicable candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of colleagues in the role. All colleagues may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Clearwater is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application procedures. Please inform Clearwater/Redspin’s Recruiting team if you need any assistance completing any forms or otherwise participating in the application process.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires the ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.