Principal Consultant

Job title: Principal Consultant

Location: Atlanta, Georgia (hybrid working model) with expected 40% travel, mainly domestically in U.S., could be internationally based on client needs. (Remote will be considered for the right candidate)

Reporting to: SVP, Consulting

Position Overview

CMSPI is elevating its client engagement model by placing experienced consulting leaders in full ownership of strategic accounts. This role blends relationship leadership, commercial strategy, and delivery governance. The Principal Consultant deepens executive relationships, sets the direction for each account, ensures high-quality delivery, and expands CMSPI’s footprint by anticipating needs and shaping solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior relationship lead for a portfolio of priority clients, cultivating trusted advisor status and setting the long-term partnership agenda.
• Guide delivery across all engagements within your accounts, ensuring methodologies, communication, risk management, scope control, and outputs meet consulting standards.
• Maintain clarity for all stakeholders and reinforce predictable delivery.
• Lead commercial strategy for your accounts, from early discovery through solution shaping, proposal development, negotiation, and close.
• Bring forward insight-driven recommendations that strengthen CMSPI’s relevance.
• Identify whitespace and frame opportunities that align to client priorities, positioning CMSPI’s capabilities to advance outcomes and broaden account reach.
• Develop multi-year account plans integrating delivery performance, commercial goals, relationship development, and pipeline strategy.
• Monitor progress and adjust as needed.
• Mentor and develop team members by strengthening client-facing capabilities, providing structured feedback, and modeling high standards in delivery and commercial leadership.
• Partner with analytics, product, delivery operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless execution and a unified client experience. Reduce handoffs and reinforce integrated ways of working.
• Maintain visibility into financial health across accounts, including revenue, margin, pipeline strength, and delivery performance. Use insights to guide prioritization and decision-making.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to capability building across the broader team.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in consulting, account leadership, or a senior client-facing role with responsibility for both commercial and delivery outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams or groups to deliver projects successfully, ensuring alignment of objectives and effective collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level client relationships grounded in insight, trust, and consistent value delivery.
• Strong commercial instincts with demonstrated success shaping opportunities, structuring solutions, and leading negotiations.
• Experience guiding cross-functional delivery teams and ensuring alignment across stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate client challenges into structured, actionable opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort engaging with executive stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, evolving environment with multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel regularly for client engagements and internal collaboration.
• Familiarity with CRM and analytics tools is beneficial.

Key Performance Indicators

• Growth of revenue and share of wallet within managed accounts.
• Strength and depth of client relationships, reflected in satisfaction and retention.
• Pipeline quality, opportunity conversion, and contribution to portfolio performance.
• Consistency and quality of delivery across engagements.
• On-time execution of projects and commitments.
• Development and advancement of team members.

What we offer...

• Comprehensive, payments industry training by in-house and industry expert
• Personal and professional learning opportunities and growth experiences aligned with your career aspirations.
• 100% healthcare coverage for employees and low-cost dental and vision options
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Account, and Commuter Benefit options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 5% after 90 days of employment
• Annual company bonus plan based on company & individual performance
• Quarterly values award for all employees – with a financial prize
• Regular companywide socials and team building events
• 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, 8 paid company holidays, and discretionary office closure during the holiday season