Technical consultants are crucial in delivering tailored technology solutions that enhance business efficiency. According to the Management Consultancies Association (MCA), the UK consulting sector has nearly doubled over the past five years, growing from £10.56 billion to £20.4 billion in 2023, with projections indicating continued growth through 2029.Â
This significant expansion highlights the increasing reliance on technology within businesses, making it an opportune time for organisations to consider integrating a technical consultant into their teams.
What Is a Tech Consultant?
Technical consultants specialise in optimising business processes through strategic technology integration. They assess existing operations to identify inefficiencies and advise businesses on implementing tailored technology solutions that align with organisational goals, such as reducing costs and improving business operations.
Some key technical consultancy services include:Â
- Cloud computing
- Software development
- Strategic technology consultingÂ
Technical consultancy represents 28% of the whole consulting market in the UK, according to Consultancy, representing the growing dominance of technology on the business landscape.Â
What are the Responsibilities of a Technical Consultant?Â
- Project Management: Define project requirements, establish timelines and ensure deliverables are met.
- Stay Informed on Technology Trends: Continuously monitor advancements in technology to provide informed recommendations.
- Solution Development: Design, test, implement and monitor innovative business processes.
- Training and Support: Develop user instructions and conduct training sessions to empower staff.
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential project risks and formulate effective risk management strategies.
- Ongoing Support: Offer expert guidance throughout project implementation and beyond.
- Effective Communication: Prepare comprehensive documentation and present progress reports to stakeholders.
What are the Key Skills of a Technical Consultant?
Investing in a technical consultant can be daunting. Hiring the right person will be your top priority to ensure you receive the best possible return and growth. The best technical consultants come with a particular set of skills that you will want to keep an eye out for.
- Technical Expertise
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Communication Skills
- Project Management
- Adaptability
- Team Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
When Should You Hire a Technical Consultant?
Organisations should consider hiring a technical consultant in several key scenarios:
1. Implementing Complex Systems
- Advanced CRM Integration: Integrating sophisticated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems often requires specialised expertise to ensure seamless alignment with existing processes.
- AI Tool Deployment: Implementing AI solutions necessitates strategic planning and technical know-how; technical consultants can guide organisations through these complexities.
2. Navigating Digital Transformations
- Digital transformations often involve overhauling legacy systems. Technical consultants assist organisations in mitigating risks while aligning technological advancements with strategic business objectives.
3. Improving Operational Efficiency
- By identifying inefficiencies within operations, technical consultants can implement practical technological solutions that enhance performance and process optimisation.
If you are interested in reading more about running a successful digital transformation – I recommend you read this article by McKinsey.
Permanent Hire vs. Contractor
- Permanent Technical Consultant: This option works best for organisations with long-term and permanent technical requirements. A permanent hire gets fully assimilated into company culture and thus continuously contributes to strategic goals.
- Contractor: This option is most suited to short-term projects or if niche expertise is required. Contracting a tech consultant from consulting businesses or firms offers flexibility and can be resourced on an ad-hoc basis. Contractors are cost-effective and offer a short-term solution.
Deciding between a permanent hire and a contractor depends on your organisation’s specific requirements, project scope, and long-term strategic goals.
Technical Consultant Job Description Template
If you’ve chosen a permanent consultant, the next step is to determine your needs and write the job description. In this section, we’ve provided a template of a Technical Consultant job description that you can adapt to your specifications.
Remember, a strong job description is imperative to attract the right talent.
Job Title & Summary
Technical Consultant
Our company is looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented Technical Consultant to join our team. In this role, you will be a trusted advisor, leveraging your expertise to deliver cutting-edge IT solutions that meet our needs.Â
You will analyse business challenges, design tailored technical strategies, and oversee implementation to ensure project success. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse stakeholders.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on transformative projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive technological innovation across various industries.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse client requirements to design technical solutions tailored to their needs.
- Develop project plans, technical architecture, and implementation strategies.
- Configure, integrate and deploy systems, software, or technologies in line with project specifications.Â
- Collaborate with clients to understand their business objectives and technical challenges.
- Present solutions, progress updates, and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Provide technical training or support to client teams as needed.
- Offer expert advice on the adoption, optimisation, and best practices of specific technologies.
- Diagnose and resolve technical issues promptly to minimise downtime.
- Provide post-implementation support and maintenance for deployed solutions.
- Manage project risks and ensure timely delivery within budget.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and efficiency.
- Ensure all implemented solutions comply with industry regulations and security standards.
- Conduct risk assessments and recommend measures to safeguard client data and systems.
- Prepare detailed reports, including technical specifications, progress updates, and post-project evaluations.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of implemented solutions and processes.
- Customise existing systems or software to meet client-specific needs.
- Ensure seamless integration of new technologies with existing infrastructure.
- Act as a liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders.
- Translate technical jargon into clear, actionable information for non-technical audiences.
- Monitor industry trends to identify opportunities for enhanced service delivery.
- Develop and deliver training sessions for client teams or end-users.
Skills and Qualifications
Required
- Proficiency in specific technologies relevant to the role (e.g., programming, IT systems, or engineering tools).
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms, databases, and software development methodologies.
- Ability to diagnose technical issues and design effective solutions.
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating system performance and recommending improvements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients.
- Experience managing projects, defining scopes, and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to balance multiple projects and prioritise tasks effectively.
- Willingness to stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends.
- Adaptability to work in diverse environments and handle rapidly changing technical landscapes.
Preferred
- A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is often preferred but not always necessary.
- Relevant experience working in technical consulting may substitute for formal education in some cases.
- ITIL Certification: For IT service management (AXELOS).
- PMP Certification: For project management (PMI).
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: For cloud computing (AWS).
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Microsoft).
- Proven experience in a technical role, preferably in consulting or project management.
- Hands-on expertise with specific tools or platforms relevant to the industry.
- Familiarity with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR) and security standards in the UK.
While a degree in a technical field is preferred, candidates with significant hands-on experience, strong technical certifications, or a proven track record in consulting are also encouraged to apply.
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid or remote options
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Professional development opportunities, including access to training and certifications
- Private healthcare or health insurance options
- Employee wellness programs and mental health support
- Career progression within a growing organisation
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Company-sponsored events and networking opportunities
Learn more about how to write a job description that attracts your ideal candidates here.
Technical Consultant Salary Expectations
Salary expectations for technical consultants vary based on several factors, including region, experience level, specialisation and company size.Â
These are average salaries, according to Glassdoor data:
- Entry-Level Positions: £27,000 – £35,000
- Mid-Level Consultants: £52,000 – £59,000
- Experienced Consultants: £55,000 – £80,000 or more
Specific regional averages are as follows:
| Region | Average Salary |
| London | £53,254 |
| Scotland | £48,733 |
| South West | £54,870 |
| West Midlands | £60,684 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £74,902 |
These figures illustrate how regional demand for specific skills can significantly influence salary ranges within the industry.
According to Consultancy, job titles play a part in the salary range, where higher-ranking jobs will typically earn more.Â
- Junior consultants/analysts: £35,000-£40,000
- Mid-level consultants: £52,000-£59,000
- Managers: £64,000-£74,000
- Directors or VPs: £79,000-£106,000
Unlock Your Business Potential with Expert Technical Consultants
At Live Digital, we specialise in SaaS and technology recruitment tailored to your specific needs. By partnering with us, you gain access to top-tier professionals who can drive innovation and efficiency within your organisation.
Don’t wait – transform your business today! Contact us now to discuss how we can help you identify and secure the ideal technical consultant!
