OT Engineering Solutions Lead

We 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 a 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.
• Support internal processes related to capital (Capex) and operational (Opex) expenditures.

Base location – Hybrid – Sewage Treatment Works, Reading.

Working pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role:

Essential Experience:

• 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.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across technical and business functions.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• 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.
• Ability to simplify technical complexity and translate it into business-aligned solutions.

Desirable Experience:

• 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.
• Commercial awareness of OT project budgeting, planning, and resource management.

Desirable Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• Membership in a professional engineering institution.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Management qualification (e.g., NEBOSH).
• Familiarity with Thames Water’s internal processes (SGGC, IC) or equivalent in utility sectors.

What’s in it for you?

• 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 bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world's water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.