Role and Hierarchy of Principal Consultant in Infosys: An Overview

Infosys, a prominent global IT consulting and services company, follows a structured designation hierarchy that determines career progression. This hierarchy can vary slightly based on specific business units or domains. Below, we provide a general overview of the designation hierarchy along with the role and responsibilities of a Principal Consultant.

Designation Hierarchy Overview

The typical designation hierarchy in Infosys is as follows:

Trainee/Intern Software Engineer Senior Software Engineer Technology Analyst Senior Technology Analyst Consultant Senior Consultant Principal Consultant Senior Principal Consultant Associate Vice President (AVP) Vice President (VP) Senior Vice President (SVP) Executive Vice President (EVP) Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Where Does Principal Consultant Fit In the Hierarchy?

The Principal Consultant is typically positioned above Senior Consultant and below Senior Principal Consultant. This role plays a critical part in both delivery and consulting aspects of the company.

Primary Responsibilities of a Principal Consultant

The Principal Consultant role is primarily a delivery role. Individuals in this position are responsible for overseeing project delivery, managing client relationships, and providing expert guidance on technical solutions. They often lead teams and ensure that project objectives are met while maintaining quality standards.

Experience Required

Generally, individuals may attain the Principal Consultant designation after approximately 8 to 12 years of relevant industry experience. This period can vary based on individual performance, expertise, and the specific requirements of the projects they are involved in. The experience at which people get this designation is around the 13th to 14th years of their consulting career, which often includes lateral entries from other companies.

In summary, the Principal Consultant is a significant role within Infosys, focusing on both delivery and consulting aspects, requiring substantial experience and expertise in the field.

Designation Structure in Infosys

Infosys has a few different designation structures, depending on the specific unit:

Development Unit: This structure typically follows the standard designation hierarchy outlined above. Consulting Unit: Principal Consultant falls into the consulting stream and is generally at job levels 6 or 7. Testing Unit: The testing unit may have its own unique designation structure.

Responsibilities of a Principal Consultant in the Consulting Stream

Principal Consultants in the consulting stream hold a significant amount of responsibility. They manage key consultants, senior consultants, and lead consultants:

Handle multiple projects and ensure successful delivery. Lead project teams and manage internal developments. Participate in Request for Changes (RFC), produce whitepapers, and contribute to the team by writing articles. Stay updated on industry trends and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the consulting team.

As a Principal Consultant, one needs to balance project management, technical expertise, and strategic consulting insights to deliver high-quality projects and contribute to the growth of the consulting division.

Conclusion

The Principal Consultant role in Infosys is a pivotal position that requires a strong combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills. Individuals who attain this role have typically amassed extensive experience in consulting and delivery, making them essential contributors to the company's success.

For those looking to advance their careers in Infosys, understanding the designation hierarchy and the roles within it can provide valuable insights into the trajectory of professional growth.