Head of Operational Technology

Role SummaryThe fundamental objective of the Head of OT is to manage the OT Team in designing, deploying, and supporting the communication and monitoring systems on new and existing distributed energy projects.As new sites increasing rely on their communication networks for operation, my client needs to ensure that new designs meet the current requirements for performance and cybersecurity and that older designs are maintained and upgraded in line with current industry practises.The Head of OT will also be available to provide advice and assistance for reactive issues which need additional skills or experience and will participate in an on-call rota for out-of-hours remote support along with the other members of comms team.Duties and ResponsibilitiesManages and mentors engineers, delegating workload as necessaryWorks closely with multiple stakeholder teams including engineering, design, commercial, planning and construction to optimise project designsEnsure the OT Team are provided with all relevant information to complete designsAssumes OT design responsibility for project OT scope from concept, through construction and to final acceptance.Ensure cybersecurity policy is considered in new designs and in maintenance and upgrades of existing systems.Ensure the required documentation needed to implement the OT system designs is produced on time, e.g. cable schedules, network diagrams, and register listsLiaising with other teams & contractors to ensure that the overall project designs integrate smoothlyCommunicates directly with suppliers' technical / service support teams regarding product capabilities and reviews client enquiries, escalating as required to equipment manufacturers.Responds to EPC, O&M, technical advisor, funder, client, or asset owner technical enquiries. These enquiries may require several actions including documentation review, performance assessment, site survey and technical supportStaying abreast of relevant developments in the telecommunications and technology marketplaceManaging tickets raised by O&M and programming OT resource.Planning and overseeing maintenance of OT systems software and hardware installed at solar PV and battery energy storage plants throughout the UKSupporting operational staff with monitoring, data acquisition, security, and CCTV systems issue resolutionsAdherence to the Group's Quality Management System and processesExperience and SkillsESSENTIALManagement of a technical team within the OT environment.Basic Windows administration knowledge, including Intune endpoint managementDetailed knowledge of IT/OT networks and design principles; segmentation, VLANs, NAT, VPNsStrong knowledge of OT cybersecurityIndustrial communication protocols including Modbus RTU / TCP, RS485 / serial communicationsFamiliarity with network troubleshooting toolsTechnical problem-solving skills and an aptitude for implementing new ideasSelf motivated; able to work remotely and independentlyEnthusiasm for ongoing personal development and learningStrong communicator with patience and perseverance, able to troubleshoot and problem-solve with remote staff or equipmentPREFERREDKnowledge and experience of PV specific and general industrial data acquisition systemsLinux system administration experience, focussed on Debian or derivatives, Ansible for centralised management, iptables/NFT firewalls.Experience of the following network equipment; Fortinet firewalls and switches, Mikrotik routers, Moxa industrial networking, OpenWRTPV, battery, and power electronics background knowledgeBasic AutoCAD skillsEducationIdeally an undergraduate degree in STEM subject that provides a demonstrable background in IT, computing, computer networking, or electronics via relevant course modules, but may also include vocational training or extensive relevant work experienceIT-related technical proficiency or security qualifications e.g. SANS, Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA or similar are advantageous, but not essentialOtherMust possess a current Driving LicenceMust be prepared to travel within the UK, including occasional overnight stays, and potentially abroad, for site visitsRobert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.