Principal Engineer -OT Engineering

We are seeking a Principal Engineer - Operational Technology to act as the senior engineering authority across our Operational Technology estate. Reporting to the Head of Operational Technology, this role is responsible for defining engineering strategy, technical governance, architecture, standards and assurance across our OT environment.

This is a highly influential leadership position, providing technical oversight across Industrial Control Systems, ICA, SCADA platforms, operational communications, cyber resilience, engineering standards and major investment programmes.

You'll play a key role in ensuring our Operational Technology systems remain secure, resilient and fit for the future whilst supporting the safe delivery of drinking water services to our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering Leadership

- Lead the OT Engineering function, providing technical leadership, direction and support across ICA, SCADA, Projects and Assurance teams.

Technical Governance

- Act as the senior technical authority for Operational Technology, ensuring robust engineering standards, governance and assurance.

Strategy & Architecture

- Develop OT strategies, technology roadmaps and investment plans to support future business needs.

Resilience & Asset Performance

- Drive the reliability, resilience and lifecycle management of critical Operational Technology systems.

Project Assurance

- Oversee major OT projects, ensuring solutions are secure, compliant and operationally fit for purpose.

Compliance & Cyber Security

- Ensure compliance with engineering, regulatory and cyber security requirements, including UK-NIS and IEC 62443.

Stakeholder Management

- Advise senior leaders on engineering strategy, operational risk and technology investment, while building strong internal and external relationships.

Continuous Improvement

- Develop engineering capability, promote best practice and drive continual improvement across the OT function.

You'll bring a combination of technical credibility, engineering leadership and strategic thinking.

You'll ideally have:

- Extensive experience within Operational Technology, Industrial Control Systems, ICA, SCADA or related engineering disciplines.

- Significant leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.

- Experience developing engineering governance frameworks, technical standards and assurance processes.

- Strong understanding of industrial control systems, telemetry, operational communications and supporting infrastructure.

- Experience working within regulated, operationally critical or infrastructure environments.

- A proven track record of leading major technology, automation or engineering investment programmes.

- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and technical specialists alike., Degree qualified in Engineering, Operational Technology or a related discipline.

- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

- Knowledge of IEC 62443, UK-NIS Regulations and industrial cyber security frameworks.

- Experience within utilities, water, energy or Critical National Infrastructure sectors.

- Experience supporting regulatory inspections, assurance reviews and executive governance forums.

South Staffordshire Water, which operates across two regions as Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water is a privately-owned regulated water only company.

South Staffs Water supplies a population of nearly I.3 million. The area of supply stretches from the edge of Ashbourne in the north, to Halesowen in the south, and from Burton on Trent in the east, to Kinver in the west.

Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer's Days

- Financial & Life Assurance: Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options

- Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents

- Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers

- Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities

- Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks - Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women's Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more

- Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.

At South Staffordshire Group, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies.

We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.