Job Description: Principal - Tech Innovation Practice (Technical Due Diligence & CIO Strategy Focus)Role OverviewAs a Principal focused on technical due diligence and CIO strategy, you will advise CIOs and senior leaders on important technology decisions that affect their business direction, efficiency, and risk. You will lead technical due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, assess IT operating models, and provide clear recommendations on topics like outsourcing, IT cost management, cybersecurity, compliance, and improving customer experience.
A key part of this role is understanding different IT operating models-such as centralized or decentralized-and how they affect technology teams and their collaboration with business units. You will help clients choose the right model to improve teamwork, speed, and business results.
You will also guide clients on innovation and modernization, including how to use emerging technologies like AI for business advantage, balance cost and speed when moving to the cloud, and build the right skills in their teams to keep up with new technology.
Key Responsibilities- Lead technical due diligence for acquisitions and investments, evaluating technology, development, security, and risks.
- Advise CIOs on key strategy questions such as:
- How much to outsource and how to manage vendors effectively.
- How to show the financial impact and value of IT investments.
- How to work with other executives to improve customer experience and operations.
- How to manage cybersecurity and compliance risks.
- Recommend IT operating models that balance agility, risk, cost, and business needs.
- Help clients understand how IT operating models affect team structure and collaboration with business units.
- Advise on innovation and modernization strategies, including using AI and cloud technologies wisely.
- Support clients in developing and training their teams to adopt new technologies and skills.
- Communicate technical findings clearly to business leaders.
- Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor.
- Work with other Oliver Wyman teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Mentor and develop junior team members.
Sample Project Examples- Led technical due diligence for a private equity client acquiring a software company, identifying risks and integration challenges.
- Helped a Fortune 500 CIO design a hybrid outsourcing model to improve innovation while controlling costs and risks.
- Created a roadmap for IT cost transparency and showing IT's impact on revenue and savings.
- Worked with marketing and customer teams to improve digital experiences aligned with customer goals.
- Designed a cybersecurity risk program for a financial services firm to meet regulations and reduce incidents.
- Guided a client through a cloud migration balancing cost control and fast deployment.
- Led a talent development program to upskill IT and business teams on AI capabilities.
Required Qualifications- 10+ years in consulting, technology strategy, IT advisory, or related roles focused on technical due diligence and CIO support.
- Strong knowledge of IT operating models, vendor management, cybersecurity, and compliance.
- Ability to lead technical assessments and explain results clearly to business leaders.
- Understanding of how IT operating models affect team dynamics and business collaboration.
- Experience advising on innovation, emerging tech, and cloud adoption trade-offs.
- Experience designing and supporting team training and upskilling.
- Skilled in working with senior executives and managing complex organizations.
- Excellent communication tailored to both technical and business audiences.
- Proven ability to deliver practical and impactful client solutions.
- Experience across multiple industries.
Preferred Qualifications- Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Experience in financial services, healthcare, or technology sectors.
- Advanced degree in business, technology, or related fields.
The applicable base salary range for the associate role is $190k to $195k.
The applicable base salary range for the engagement manager role is $225k to $240k.
The applicable base salary range for the principal role is $250K to $265K.
The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, and education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives.
We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.
