Lead Architect – NIS

Southern Water

. Lead architecture across a complex, business-critical programme .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeFalmer • United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in defining and governing technology architecture for complex programmes, with a strong focus on OT and industrial control systems. Proven ability to align technology decisions with business outcomes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

OT Architecture LeadershipSCADA, PLC, DCS, RTU, HMI TechnologiesOT Cyber Security StandardsTOGAF CertificationStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Architecture Roadmap DevelopmentDesign Assurance ActivitiesArchitectural Risk ManagementOT Networking and SegmentationIndustrial Protocols UnderstandingIntegration of OT and IT PlatformsCompliance with Enterprise Standards

Soft Skills

Decision-Making SkillsGovernance SkillsStakeholder Engagement

Tools & Technologies

SCADAPLCDCSRTUHMIOPC-UAModbus/TCPDNP3PROFINETEthernet/IP

Certifications & Qualifications

TOGAFCISSPCISMGICSPISA/IEC 62443

Industry Keywords

Regulated InfrastructureCritical InfrastructureUtilitiesEnergyTransport

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityFirewalls

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead architecture across a complex, business-critical programme
Define and maintain the end-to-end architecture roadmap and key design decisions
Ensure alignment across OT, IT, security, data and technology domains
Establish and chair architecture governance and design assurance activities
Review and challenge designs from internal teams, system integrators and third-party vendors
Identify and manage architectural risks, dependencies and cross-programme impacts
Work closely with programme leadership and delivery teams to align technology decisions with business outcomes
Act as the primary architectural advisor for programme stakeholders
Define and govern the overall technology architecture for the NIS programme
Provide technical leadership, drive design decisions and ensure compliance with enterprise standards and regulatory requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience designing and governing OT and industrial control system environments
Strong knowledge of SCADA, PLC, DCS, RTU, HMI and historian technologies
Experience of OT networking, segmentation, firewalls and Purdue Model principles
Understanding of industrial protocols including OPC-UA, Modbus/TCP, DNP3, PROFINET and Ethernet/IP
Strong knowledge of OT cyber security standards including IEC 62443, NIST, ISO 27001 and NIS requirements
Experience integrating OT platforms with enterprise IT, cloud, data and monitoring solutions
Proven experience leading architecture across complex programmes or business transformations
Excellent stakeholder engagement, governance and decision-making skills
TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification desirable
Security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GICSP or ISA/IEC 62443 desirable
Experience in regulated, critical infrastructure, utilities, energy or transport environments desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working (2 days a week)
Inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their authentic selves to work
Opportunity to influence strategic technology decisions and contribute to meaningful change