OT Engineering Solutions Lead - Reading, Berkshire
4 days ago
Reading
Contract: PermanentSalary: Competitive salary up to £77,000 per annumWe seek a strategic, solutions-focused leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for innovation. You will work closely with OT engineers, IT, operations, asset management, and external partners to lead the design, deployment, and governance of cutting-edge Operational Technology (OT) solutions across Thames Water’s water and wastewater networks. We are seeking an OT Engineering Solutions Lead to manage a high-performing team of solution engineers and provide subject matter expertise across all phases of OT solution development and implementation. You will ensure that all OT systems and designs meet performance, security, and compliance standards while aligning with our long-term digital transformation goals. Your leadership will drive standardisation, innovation, and resilience within Thames Water’s operational estate. What you will be doing as an OT Engineering Solutions Lead Solution Design & Delivery Leadership: • Lead the end-to-end development and deployment of OT solutions across Thames Water’s operational assets., • Ensure solutions meet security, performance, regulatory, and operational requirements., • Oversee high-level design, integration, and documentation of OT architecture to support real-time control, automation, and data acquisition. Team Management & Innovation:, • Manage a team of OT solution engineers, defining goals and monitoring performance against KPIs., • Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and innovative team culture., • Champion the adoption of emerging OT technologies and methodologies. Strategic & Regulatory Alignment:, • Ensure all OT solution development aligns with Thames Water’s business strategies and technology roadmap., • Support AMP8 delivery by ensuring timely approvals and deployment of solutions., • Contribute to AMP9 planning and the OT PR29 submission. Technical Governance & Standards:, • Enforce compliance with internal technical standards, frameworks, and approved hardware lists., • Support periodic audits and inspections to ensure quality, compliance, and system integrity., • Maintain consistent, up-to-date technical documentation across the OT estate. Stakeholder Engagement & SME Support:, • Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for OT solutions, providing technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders., • Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, procurement, and control room teams to align technical and business goals., • Lead discussions to translate complex technical requirements into actionable solutions. Supplier & Resource Management:, • Manage supplier and contractor relationships to ensure transparent and effective collaboration., • Oversee resource planning and allocation to ensure the timely delivery of integrated OT solutions., • Ensure effective cross-charging of resource time and solution support to relevant projects. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management:, • Ensure all OT activities support health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements., • Drive continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and operational resilience across all OT projects., • Experience working in Operational Technology within utilities or industrial environments., • Proven experience in the design and deployment of SCADA, telemetry, and control systems., • Strong understanding of OT cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management., • Experience managing third-party suppliers and navigating competing priorities., • Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in complex, fast-paced settings., • Degree or equivalent experience in an engineering discipline., • In-depth knowledge of OT systems and architecture, including SCADA, PLC, HMI, and industrial networking., • Strong technical report writing and documentation skills., • Effective communication and leadership skills to influence teams and stakeholders., • Self-motivated with attention to detail and the ability to deliver under pressure., • Development of OT technical standards, frameworks, or specifications., • Project delivery and control, including planning and performance tracking., • Experience in preparing business proposals and reviewing commercial solutions., • Understanding of risk management, compliance frameworks, and governance practices., • Membership in a professional engineering institution., • Health, Safety, and Environmental Management qualification (e.g., NEBOSH)., • Competitive salary up to £77,000 per annum, depending on experience., • Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus