Principal Strategy Advisor

NTT DATA, Inc.; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

NTT DATA, Inc. in Johannesburg is seeking a Principal Cloud Strategic Advisor to guide clients through cloud-enabled business and technology strategies, bridging business goals with cloud innovation and value realization.

You will partner with technology and business leaders to shape transformation roadmaps, operating models, and FinOps, while leveraging AWS, Azure, Google cloud ecosystems to drive measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business/IT/CS/Engineering or related field.
• Cloud certifications highly advantageous (AWS, Azure, Google).
• Extensive cloud strategy and technology consulting experience.
• Experience advising executives on cloud and transformation initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and workshop facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor on cloud strategy and technology-led business innovation.
• Lead cloud transformation strategies and adoption roadmaps.
• Develop business cases, ROI models, and cost optimization plans.
• Monitor market trends in hyperscaler tech and AI opportunities.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and sales teams.

Skills

Cloud strategy

Consulting

Stakeholder management

Digital transformation

Enterprise modernization

FinOps

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Cloud certifications (AWS/AWS Architect/ Azure/ Google)

Job description

Make an impact with NTT DATA
Join a company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are renowned for our technical excellence and leading innovations, and for making a difference to our clients and society. Our workplace embraces diversity and inclusion – it’s a place where you can grow, belong and thrive.

Principal Cloud Strategic Advisor

The Principal Cloud Strategic Advisor is a senior trusted advisor responsible for helping clients and stakeholders define, shape, and execute cloud-enabled business and technology strategies. This role bridges business objectives and cloud innovation, providing strategic guidance on digital transformation, cloud adoption, operating model evolution, and value realization.

As a recognized cloud strategy expert, the Principal Cloud Strategic Advisor partners with technology leaders, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth, optimize cloud investments, and accelerate business outcomes through the effective use of cloud technologies and hyperscaler ecosystems.

The role requires strong consulting, commercial, strategic, and stakeholder management skills, along with deep knowledge of cloud platforms, digital transformation, and enterprise modernization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on cloud strategy, digital transformation, and technology-led business innovation.
• Facilitate strategic discussions with business and technology leaders to align cloud initiatives with organizational objectives.
• Translate complex cloud and technology concepts into clear business outcomes and recommendations.
• Advise clients on cloud operating models, governance, organizational readiness, and transformation roadmaps.

Cloud Strategy Development

• Lead the development of cloud transformation strategies and adoption roadmaps.
• Define target-state capabilities across infrastructure, applications, data, security, and operations.
• Provide guidance on public cloud, hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, and cloud-native modernization approaches.
• Support organizations in building scalable and sustainable cloud foundations.

Business Value & Transformation

• Develop business cases, value realization frameworks, and ROI models for cloud initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, operational efficiency, innovation, and revenue growth.
• Support executive decision-making through scenario planning, strategic analysis, and risk assessment.
• Advise on FinOps strategies and cloud investment optimization.

Market & Industry Insight

• Monitor cloud market trends, hyperscaler innovation, and competitive landscapes.
• Identify emerging technologies and opportunities in AI, data platforms, automation, security, and cloud-native development.
• Provide thought leadership on industry best practices and cloud transformation trends.
• Assess the impact of market changes on client and organizational strategies.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with architects, engineers, consultants, and sales teams to develop comprehensive client solutions.
• Support strategic pursuits, executive workshops, and client engagements.
• Influence decision-making across multiple stakeholders and business units.
• Act as a key contributor to large-scale transformation programs.

Academic Qualifications & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Cloud certifications highly advantageous, including:
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
  • Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Google Professional Cloud Architect

Required Experience

• Extensive experience in cloud strategy, technology consulting, digital transformation, or strategic advisory roles.
• Proven experience advising senior executives and business leaders on cloud and transformation initiatives.
• Significant experience developing cloud business cases, transformation strategies, and operating models.
• Experience working with hyperscaler ecosystems and cloud transformation programs.
• Strong background in stakeholder management across business and technology functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic workshops, drive consensus, and influence decision-making.
• Experience supporting large-scale enterprise modernization and cloud adoption initiatives.
• Consulting experience within a global technology services, advisory, or professional services organization is highly desirable.

Workplace Type

Hybrid Working

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world’s leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 70 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us.

Third Parties Fraudulent Recruiting

NTT DATA recruiters will never ask job seekers or candidates for payment or banking information during the recruitment process, for any reason. Please remain vigilant of third parties who may attempt to impersonate NTT DATA recruiters whether in writing or by phone in order to deceptively obtain personal data or money from you. All email communications from an NTT DATA recruiter will come from an @nttdata.com email address. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, contact us.