Senior Solution Architect - Operational Technology

SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £20.5 billion in low carbon projects to 2027, we have significant growth plans and are well on our way to achieving our ambition to build a world that's more sustainable and inclusive for you, your family, the community you live in and for generations to come. 

Join us on our journey to net zero and help us power change.

About our role

Base Location: Flexible UK | We're proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. We will, however need your base 'home' location to be one of our SSE offices or depots around the UK.

Salary: Competitive salary + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

What is the role?

SSEN Distribution has an opportunity for an Operational Technology Solution / Functional Architect to work within our Transformation Portfolios. The portfolios will be delivering using Agile methodologies and be working alongside people from business & technology teams.

This role is for an experienced OT Solution Architect to support the evolution of our application estate by targeting the development of the functionality that supports SSE's Distribution business. The scope will focus on enterprise level IT systems that support our business and operational teams. As we deliver enhancements to our business capabilities, moving from a limited set of solutions to a modern, cloud based, application portfolio, we need to ensure we build this in a secure and robust manner. The role role will drive a range of initiatives, with a focus on creating architectures for specific platforms & components, and providing the high-level designs for them to be implemented.

You'll report to the Lead Architect as part of an expanding architecture team, with the ability to influence strategy and approach. This is a great opportunity to play a pivotal role in the transformation of SSE Distribution systems to secure, dynamic and robust platforms that can support the rapid expansion of our business to meet our Net Zero targets.

Key Responsibilities for this role will include:

- Contributing to the creation of application specifications and feeding it into programmes of work for delivery, including consultancy across projects to ensure the technical solutions proposed are aligned with that strategy.

- Creation and ongoing ownership of roadmaps for solutions and will cover initial requirements, gap analysis, product/solution selection and prioritisation for implementation. You will use your experience to bring innovative solutions to bear on our technology landscape, with ideas for their rapid deployment to mitigate current risks.

- Working with SSE’s central IT teams to align with Group IT strategy and standards that will be applied to the architecture designs for Distribution as well as providing expert guidance to our delivery teams.

- Creation of data models and data designs that resolve data gaps or data quality issues.

- Provide an effective assurance function that ensures we deliver the right solutions, bringing together stakeholders from a range of disciplines and our Procurement teams.

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

- A structured and methodical approach to solutioning, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely at multiple levels, and the ability to lead discussions and influence stakeholders who are used to operating with less structured approaches.

- Experience of working in a programme/project environment with involvement in the full lifecycle of delivery from planning to operations.

- In-depth knowledge and understanding of designing and developing solutions for one or more of the following: Advanced Distribution Management Systems, Active Network Management/DERMS, Real Time Historians and/or Industrial Control / Automation Devices (SCADA & RTU’s)

- In-depth knowledge of GE ADMS products and PowerOn.

- Experience with a range of technology solutions, including on prem servers, cloud-based solutions like the Azure / AWS product range.

- Candidates for this role will be required to obtain vetting to SC level through UK Government. The criteria normally includes 5 years UK residency, further information can be found here: United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

About our Business

SSEN Distribution powers 3.8 million homes and businesses in communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland. Our team of more than 3,500 people keep customers connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst developing the flexible networks that are vital to achieving net zero. By enabling a smarter, more resilient electricity network we're ensuring our local communities continue to receive the power they need, both now and in the future. We are consistently investing and innovating to improve network resilience and future-proof power supplies for life's changing demands, from rolling out large scale EV charging schemes to supporting small community generation projects.

What's in it for you?

An excellent package with 34 days holiday entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

Next Steps

All applications should be submitted online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Laura on Laura.Morrison@sse.com / 01738 341814.

Before commencing employment with SSE, you'll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.

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