Lead Principal Consultant

A leading global group is seeking a Principal Consultant to join their expanding APAC Network & Security. This role offers you the opportunity to shape the future of enterprise network and security solutions for some of the world’s largest organisations. As the senior voice in presales, you will be at the forefront of client conversations, translating complex requirements into solutions and turn opportunities to commercial project delivery and close.

What you'll do:

As a Lead Principal Consultant, your day-to-day responsibilities are to:

• Own the full presales cycle from opportunity qualification through to solution close by leading discovery workshops, scoping requirements, designing architectures, developing proposals, and responding to RFPs/RFIs.
• Facilitate customer-facing workshops to extract business objectives, technical constraints, risk appetite, and success criteria before structuring findings into clear solution scopes and compelling commercial propositions.
• Develop and deliver persuasive solution presentations tailored for diverse audiences including network engineers, IT directors, and C-suite stakeholders; clearly articulating architectural vision, commercial rationale, and delivery approach.
• Support RFP/RFI/RFQ responses with detailed technical write-ups, architecture diagrams, compliance mapping exercises, and well-crafted solution narratives.
• Take end-to-end ownership of solution architecture across network and security domains for large-scale enterprise transformation programmes by producing HLD/LLD documentation that withstands rigorous governance scrutiny.
• Lead architectural design across SD-WAN (primarily), SASE/SSE frameworks, Zero Trust models, next-generation firewalls (NGFW), and hybrid cloud connectivity; define migration methodologies for WAN/security modernisation initiatives.
• Drive proof-of-concept projects to validate new capabilities and conduct technology evaluations influencing platform/vendor selection.
• Engage directly with C-suite executives (CIOs/CISOs) and senior IT decision-makers to frame architectural choices within broader business risk contexts while managing complex stakeholder relationships across internal/external teams.
• Provide delivery oversight as technical authority on implementation projects: guide engineering teams on configuration alignment with design intent; lead troubleshooting/root-cause analysis; ensure quality documentation at handover.

What you bring:

To excel as an Lead Principal Consultant, you are required to posses:

• At least 12-15 years’ progressive experience spanning hands-on network engineering roles, global service delivery, solution architecture and presales or consulting positions within system integrator or professional services environments.
• Demonstrated track record of owning the full presales cycle from opportunity qualification through commercial close including workshop facilitation, proposal development, RFP response preparation, and executive-level presentations.
• Experience engaging/influencing senior stakeholders such as CIOs/CISOs/IT directors/architecture boards internally/externally.
• Comprehensive knowledge of SD-WAN architecture/delivery (Cisco Viptela/Fortinet Secure SD-WAN/Cato Networks), core networking fundamentals (BGP/OSPF/MPLS/VLAN/QoS/data centre routing), cloud connectivity/hybrid architectures (Azure/AWS/Microsoft 365), WAN transformation/migration methodologies.
• Expertise in SASE/SSE frameworks (Zscaler ZIA/ZPA/Prisma Access/Netskope/Cato Networks), Zero Trust principles (identity/access/network segmentation), NGFW design/policy governance (Palo Alto/Fortinet/Check Point/Cisco FTD), enterprise security frameworks (NIST 800-207/NIST CSF/defence-in-depth).
• Advantageous: Prior experience as an enterprise security architect in end-user settings; team leadership/mentoring background; exposure to OT network security/industrial control systems; familiarity with Japan/Korea enterprise engagement dynamics.
• Relevant certifications such as Cisco CCIE (Enterprise/Security), Zscaler ZDCA or equivalent SSE certification, Fortinet NSE 6+ (NSE 7 preferred), Azure Solutions Architect/AZ-500/Palo Alto PCNSE/AWS Advanced Networking or Security Specialty/CISSP/CISM/Cato SASE Expert.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation offers an inclusive, collaborative culture with strong mentorship and supportive leadership. Flexible working arrangements and generous training enable continuous development, while regional-scale projects provide hands-on exposure to modern network technologies. You'll grow alongside dependable teammates in a high-trust environment that supports both performance and wellbeing.

What's next:

If you are ready to advance your career in network consulting while contributing meaningfully to high-impact SD-WAN projects across the region, this opportunity could be perfect for you.

Apply today by clicking on the link below-take the next step towards joining a collaborative team where your growth is supported every day.

Robert Walters SEA is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.