About the Role
At National Energy System Operator, we are looking for a Lead Architect - Control Centre Operations to define and drive the architectural strategy, target state, and multi year roadmap for systems that are critical to the safe, secure, and reliable operation of NESO's nationwide electricity control centre operations. This role will provide technical and strategic leadership across a complex landscape of bespoke operational systems and third party platforms, ensuring they evolve into a cohesive, resilient, and future ready operational ecosystem that supports a modern, decarbonised energy system. The position can be based from Wokingham, Warwick, or Glasgow and offers hybrid working arrangements. National Security Vetting clearance is required.
Key Accountabilities
- Architectural Strategy & Roadmap - Define and own the end to end architectural vision for Control Centre Operations systems; develop and maintain a pragmatic roadmap; lead architectural decision making across legacy and future platforms.
- Operational Systems Leadership - Provide architectural oversight for mission critical operational systems including SCADA; ensure systems meet stringent availability, resilience, security, and safety requirements; guide integration of bespoke systems with vendor solutions.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Influence - Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior leaders and partners; collaborate across technology, cyber, infrastructure, and operations teams; engage with external suppliers to influence solution design and roadmaps.
- Technical Governance & Assurance - Establish and uphold architecture standards and principles; provide architectural assurance for major change initiatives.
- Leadership, Coaching & Capability Building - Provide technical leadership and mentoring; foster a culture of collaboration and architectural excellence.
About You - Key Skills & Experience
- Strong strategic thinking and direction setting capability.
- Proven stakeholder engagement and influence at senior levels.
- Ability to coach and mentor technical teams.
- Experience with control centre or operational technology environments.
- Knowledge of SCADA systems and real time operational platforms.
- Experience with RedHat OpenShift and container platforms.
- Strong infrastructure and networking knowledge.
- Experience with cloud platforms, particularly MicrosoftAzure.
- Experience integrating bespoke systems with third party vendor solutions.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within electricity system operations, utilities, or critical national infrastructure.
- Exposure to hybrid IT/OT architectures and legacy modernisation.
- Understanding of regulatory and safety requirements.
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Architecture or cloud certifications (e.g., Azure, TOGAF) are advantageous.
What You'll Get
Competitive salary of £75,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience and capability). As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where NESO will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. Additional benefits include flexible bank holidays, birthday day off, cycle to work scheme, retail and gym discounts, private medical insurance, critical illness insurance, and personal accident insurance.