Lead Architect - Control Centre Ops

About The Role

At National Energy System Operator, we're looking for an excellent addition to our Architecture Team, as a Lead Architect, Control Centre Ops.

The Lead Architect – Control Centre Operations is responsible for defining and driving 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 provides technical and strategic leadership across a complex landscape of bespoke operational systems and third-party, off-the-shelf platforms, ensuring they evolve into a cohesive, resilient, and future-ready operational ecosystem that supports a modern, decarbonised energy system.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick, Glasgow, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home as well as flexible working arrangements.

This role is designated as requiring a National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance. You will usually need to have been a resident in the UK for the last five years to apply for the required level of clearance. We would invite any applicants who do not currently meet this residency requirement to still express an interest in the role.

Key Accountabilities

Architectural Strategy & Roadmap

• Define and own the end-to-end architectural vision for Control Centre Operations systems.
• Develop and maintain a clear, pragmatic architecture 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.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

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 Red Hat OpenShift and container platforms.
• Strong infrastructure and networking knowledge.
• Experience with cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure.
• Integration of 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.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NESO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £75,000 - £85,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs 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 we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

Benefits

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your helath, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
• Additional Birthday Day Off
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always actin in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.