Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Identity Consultant

🎯 Role Definition

As an Identity Consultant, you will be the cornerstone of our clients' cybersecurity posture and digital transformation journeys. You are a subject matter expert who architects, implements, and manages robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) frameworks. This pivotal role involves translating complex business requirements into secure, scalable, and user-friendly identity solutions. You will navigate the full lifecycle of identity, from initial strategy and design workshops to hands-on implementation of technologies like Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Privileged Access Management (PAM). If you are passionate about solving complex security puzzles and enabling businesses to operate securely in the cloud and on-premises, this is the role for you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Security Analyst
Systems Administrator (with a focus on Active Directory/Azure AD)
IT Support Engineer (Tier 3)

Advancement To:

Senior Identity Architect
IAM Program Manager
Principal Security Consultant

Lateral Moves:

Cloud Security Architect
Cybersecurity Pre-Sales Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, including Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), Access Management, and Privileged Access Management (PAM).
Engage directly with clients to gather and analyze business and technical requirements, translating them into detailed design documents and strategic roadmaps.
Architect and deploy modern identity platforms such as Microsoft Azure AD (Entra ID), Okta, Ping Identity, or ForgeRock to support cloud and hybrid environments.
Configure and integrate applications for Single Sign-On (SSO) using standard protocols like SAML 2.0, OAuth 2.0, and OpenID Connect (OIDC).
Develop and enforce robust Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) policies and conditional access rules to strengthen security and adapt to varying risk levels.
Design and automate the complete identity lifecycle management (JML) process, including user provisioning, de-provisioning, and access modifications for joiners, movers, and leavers.
Implement and manage Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions like CyberArk or Delinea to secure, monitor, and manage access to critical infrastructure.
Conduct in-depth workshops and presentations for both technical and executive-level stakeholders to articulate solution benefits, strategies, and implementation plans.
Perform health checks and security assessments of existing IAM infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending remediation strategies.
Develop custom scripts, primarily using PowerShell or Python, to automate repetitive IAM tasks, reporting, and system integrations.
Lead the migration of legacy IAM systems (e.g., on-premises AD FS) to modern, cloud-native identity providers, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
Provide expert-level troubleshooting and technical support for complex identity and access-related incidents and problems.
Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration guides, and operational runbooks.
Configure and manage Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) platforms like SailPoint or Saviynt to oversee access certifications, role-based access control (RBAC), and separation of duties (SoD).
Collaborate with security operations, application development, and infrastructure teams to ensure seamless and secure integration of IAM services.
Assist pre-sales teams by providing technical expertise during sales calls, demonstrating product capabilities, and contributing to proposals and statements of work (SOWs).
Develop and lead Proof of Concept (PoC) engagements to showcase the value and functionality of proposed IAM solutions to potential clients.
Ensure that all implemented identity solutions comply with industry regulations and standards such as GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, and NIST.
Manage directory services, including Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and Azure AD, focusing on synchronization, schema management, and group policy.
Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing thought leadership and guidance on IAM best practices, emerging threats, and new technologies.
Configure B2B and B2C identity solutions, managing external identities and guest access through federation and Azure AD B2B/B2C.

Secondary Functions

Mentor and guide junior consultants and analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the IAM practice.
Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, security threats, and technological advancements in the identity and access management space.
Contribute to the development of internal intellectual property, such as reusable solution templates, scripts, and best practice guides.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the project delivery team to ensure timely and effective execution of tasks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

IAM Platforms: Deep expertise in one or more leading IAM platforms (e.g., Azure AD/Entra ID, Okta, Ping Identity, ForgeRock).
IGA/PAM Solutions: Hands-on experience with IGA tools (SailPoint, Saviynt) and PAM solutions (CyberArk, Delinea, BeyondTrust).
Identity Protocols: Strong understanding and practical application of SAML, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect (OIDC), SCIM, and LDAP.
Directory Services: Proficient in managing and integrating with Microsoft Active Directory and Azure Active Directory.
Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in scripting languages, particularly PowerShell and/or Python, for automation and integration.
Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with IaaS/PaaS environments (Azure, AWS, GCP) and their native identity services.
Authentication Methods: In-depth knowledge of modern authentication methods, including MFA, passwordless (FIDO2), and biometric authentication.
Federation Services: Experience configuring and managing federation services like Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS).
Network Security Concepts: Solid understanding of networking principles, firewalls, and VPNs as they relate to access control.
API Integration: Experience with REST APIs for integrating applications and identity systems.

Soft Skills

Consultative Mindset: Ability to act as a trusted advisor, understand client needs, and provide strategic recommendations.
Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in communicating and managing expectations with clients, from technical engineers to C-level executives.
Complex Problem-Solving: A proven track record of diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues under pressure.
Verbal & Written Communication: Superior ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Project Leadership: Capable of leading project workstreams, managing timelines, and ensuring successful delivery.
Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to assess security postures, analyze requirements, and design effective solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Information Security or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Computer Science
Information Security / Cybersecurity
Information Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in designing and implementing Identity and Access Management solutions.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a client-facing consulting role is highly desirable.
One or more relevant industry certifications, such as CISSP, Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300), Okta Certified Professional, or SailPoint Certified IdentityNow Professional.