Cloud Platforms Capability Lead

Kainos; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos is seeking a Platforms Capability Lead to own the capability strategy, define services and accelerators, and shape how platform engineering and AI‑driven delivery create value for clients across sectors and regions.

You’ll lead a cross‑functional team, foster talent and career growth, build senior client relationships, champion thought leadership, and partner with BU and Talent Acquisition to align capacity with market demand, delivery excellence and commercial success.

Qualifications

• Experience leading in technology professional services with client-facing delivery.
• Proven ability to define and execute strategy across a multi-team capability.
• Track record of driving growth through market engagement or partnerships.
• Leadership role with outcomes in thought leadership and talent development.
• Credibility in both technical and commercial aspects.

Responsibilities

• Set and evolve the capability strategy to drive thought leadership, innovation, and growth.
• Define and maintain services and accelerators aligned to sector needs.
• Deliver external thought leadership and raise the capability profile.
• Align capability support to sector-led pursuits and sales with senior input.
• Build and sustain relationships with senior and C-level stakeholders.
• Shape long-term talent and skills strategy with a diverse pipeline.
• Collaborate with BU Operational and Talent Acquisition teams on workforce plans.
• Set direction for capability-wide learning and skills uplift.
• Foster professional identity and continuous improvement within the capability.
• Advocate for standards, patterns, and best practices in delivery quality.
• Evolve capability services and AI-first approaches aligned to strategy.
• Identify and manage capability risks and escalation plans.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Client facing

Growth mindset

Industry knowledge

People management

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting‑edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS

As Platforms Capability Lead, you'll shape this direction for one of Kainos' most strategically important capabilities. You'll own our service strategy, defining what we offer, to whom, and the outcomes it delivers. You will keep it coherent and commercially relevant across every sector and region as you own the capability strategy and sponsor the practices that underpin quality delivery. You will evolve services through proven innovation and not theory, proving the value of those changes directly with clients. As AI continues to reshape platform engineering and operations, you'll play a leading role in defining how the capability adapts, innovates and creates value for clients. You'll also build strong relationships with clients, partners and industry communities, raising Kainos' profile through thought leadership and innovation.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for someone with deep platform expertise and a passion for developing people. You'll combine strategic leadership, technical credibility and commercial awareness to support delivery, sales and capability growth, working with senior clients, technology partners and business leaders to shape how platform engineering evolves in an AI‑first world. Most importantly, you'll create an environment where talented people can thrive, grow their careers and deliver their best work. As platforms take on a bigger role, the people who shape them matter more, not less.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Setting and evolving a capability strategy that drives thought leadership, innovation, talent development and growth, informed by market understanding and aligned to Sector and wider BU strategies.
• Defining and maintaining Services and Accelerators aligned to Sector needs, ensuring supporting collateral remains reusable and is consistently recognised internally and externally for quality and impact.
• Delivering external thought leadership and building the profile of the capability.
• Proactively aligning capability support to Sector‑led pursuits and sales, ensuring credibility, relevance and senior advisor input for existing and prospective clients.
• Building and sustaining strong, trusted relationships with senior and C‑level stakeholders across Kainos, our client base and industry forums.
• Shaping and sustaining the capability's long‑term talent and skills strategy, supporting a strong and diverse pipeline aligned to Sector demand and future business needs.
• Working in partnership with BU Operational and Talent Acquisition teams to deliver workforce plans that ensure appropriate capacity and capability exist within the business, aligned to current and future Sector and industry trends.
• Setting direction and priorities for capability‑wide learning, development and skills uplift, ensuring the capability continues to evolve in line with market, sector and technology trends.
• Fostering a strong sense of professional identity, belonging and engagement within the capability, promoting continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and role model leadership.
• Defining and advocating for the effective implementation of standards, patterns, methodologies and best practices that support delivery quality and assurance.
• Evolving capability services, best practices and associated skills to adopt a progressive AI‑first approach aligned to Sector and BU strategies.
• Identifying and managing capability risks and succession plans, implementing mitigation measures where possible and escalating to the BU or Company risk register when appropriate.

Minimum (Essential) Requirements

• Experience leading within a technology professional services organisation, including ownership or evolution of client‑facing services, workforce planning and commercial growth outcomes.
• Experience defining and executing strategy across a technology capability, practice or service portfolio operating across multiple teams or business units.
• Track record of influencing business growth through market engagement, sales support, strategic partnerships or development of new service offerings.
• Demonstrable success in a leadership position, creating and evolving a strategy with proven outcomes in thought leadership, innovation, talent development and growth.
• Demonstrable depth of experience and recognised credibility within the relevant capability specialism, encompassing both technical and commercial expertise.
• Ability to foster and develop senior relationships and operate as a recognised leader internally and externally, demonstrating a professional, credible and positive representation of Kainos.
• People-oriented, with the ability to shape a future vision and strategy for a capability and develop and lead credible plans for implementation.
• Strong decision‑making capability, balancing inclusivity and collaboration while ensuring the best outcome for Kainos.
• Evidence of innovating or driving initiatives that improve the capability, effectiveness or performance of a team.

Desirable

• Evidence of successfully leading significant capability initiatives, such as capability strategy development, thought leadership, workforce planning, or talent and skills development.
• Committed to and passionate about personal and professional development.
• Passionate about developing others and sharing in their success.

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.