Operational Technology (OT) Service Lead (S202659) in Belfast

Role Title: Operational Technology (OT) Service Lead
Reports to: Head of Technology Operations and Cybersecurity
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)

Background

SONI operates the electricity transmission system in Northern Ireland and plays a central role in delivering a safe, secure, reliable and sustainable power system. SONI manages critical national infrastructure supporting real-time system operations, while also working closely with EirGrid as part of the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM).

As the electricity system transitions towards higher levels of renewable energy and increasing operational complexity, the resilience, availability and security of SONI's Corporate and Operational Networks (LAN/WAN), Operational Telecoms, SCADA, Energy Management System (EMS) and wider Operational Technology (OT) environment are increasingly critical. These systems underpin control centre operations, providing real-time visibility of the transmission system, enabling secure communications and data exchange, and facilitating the safe and reliable operation of Northern Ireland's electricity network.

This role presents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to support SONI's Corporate and Operational Networks, EMS, SCADA and Telecoms services, ensuring that SONI's operational technology environment remains robust, resilient, secure and fit for purpose. Working closely with Technology Operations and Cybersecurity operational teams, the role will support the reliable operation of business-critical services while delivering operational capability enhancements that enable SONI to meet its regulatory, operational and statutory responsibilities.

As SONI continues to strengthen its operational independence, including requirements arising from Licence Condition 42 (LC42), this role will play a key part in supporting future operational technology capabilities, service arrangements and assurance activities. The role operates within a rapidly evolving environment and will help ensure SONI remains capable of meeting its regulatory, operational and cybersecurity obligations both now and in the future.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Technology Operations and Cybersecurity the Operational Technology Service Lead is a key leadership role within SONI's developing IT Services function . You will provide leadership and oversight across the teams responsible for the delivery, development, support and governance of SONI's Corporate and Power Systems Networks, Operational Telecoms, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management System (EMS) and wider Operational Technology (OT) environments.

This role plays an important part in ensuring SONI can continue to operate secure, resilient and reliable technology services that support our control centre, business operations and responsibilities as the Transmission System Operator for Northern Ireland.
You will bring strong leadership and technical expertise across EMS, SCADA, networks and operational telecoms. You will help ensure SONI meets its operational, regulatory, resilience and cybersecurity responsibilities.

While the role operates outside the EirGrid Group IT Operating Model, close collaboration with EirGrid Group teams remains essential to support the all-island EMS platform and associated operational processes.

You will be accountable for the effective delivery and continuous improvement of critical operational services, ensuring robust operational controls are maintained and services meet the organisation's requirements for availability, resilience, performance and security.
A significant part of the role will involve leading technology change and investment programmes. This includes infrastructure upgrades, technology refreshes, resilience improvements, cybersecurity initiatives and regulatory commitments. You will ensure these are delivered using appropriate project and change management practices, including effective governance, planning, budget control, risk management, testing, implementation and transition into operational service.

As SONI operates within a regulated environment, you will identify operational and strategic investment requirements across EMS, SCADA, telecoms and networks. Working with internal stakeholders, Finance, Regulation and the Utility Regulator, you will support the development and justification of funding requests, prepare robust business cases and contribute to regulatory submissions. You will also help ensure approved investment is delivered in a timely way and aligned with SONI's operational and strategic objectives.

You will lead and support procurement activities in line with relevant procurement regulations and governance requirements. This includes developing technical specifications and scopes of work, contributing to tender evaluations and supplier selection, and managing key support and delivery partners. You will be responsible for ensuring contractual obligations, service performance, cybersecurity requirements and value-for-money objectives are achieved.

You will also support the development of technology roadmaps, asset lifecycle strategies, capacity planning and obsolescence management. This will help ensure SONI's Operational Technology environment remains secure, resilient and capable of meeting future business and regulatory requirements.

As SONI progresses towards greater operational independence, including responsibilities arising from Licence Condition 42, you will contribute to capability planning, operational readiness and future EMS-related responsibilities. You will help develop sustainable Operational Technology capabilities and operating models for the future.

Due to the critical nature of the services supported and the level of expertise required, the role holder may be required to support the escalation and management of major or critical incidents outside normal working hours.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight across SONI's Corporate and Power Systems Networks, Operational Telecoms, SCADA, EMS and wider Operational Technology services.

• Ensure the effective delivery, resilience, security and continuous improvement of critical Operational Technology services supporting SONI's control centre and business operations.

• Act as the senior operational escalation point for major incidents and service issues, coordinating resolution activities and ensuring effective root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Ensure robust operational controls, procedures and governance arrangements are maintained across all areas of responsibility.

• Lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of Operational Technology initiatives, balancing operational support, strategic improvement and regulatory commitments.

• Oversee technology refresh, infrastructure upgrades, cyber resilience and service improvement programmes in line with recognised project and change management practices.

• Ensure appropriate governance, risk management, testing, implementation and operational handover processes are applied across technology and Operational Technology change activities.

• Develop and maintain technology roadmaps, asset lifecycle plans, obsolescence strategies and capacity plans for Operational Technology services.

• Identify operational and strategic investment requirements and support the development, justification and delivery of relevant funding proposals and business cases.

• Work closely with Finance, Regulation and other stakeholders to support Utility Regulator submissions and ensure approved investment programmes are delivered effectively.

• Lead and support procurement activities, including the development of technical specifications and scopes of work, tender evaluations and supplier selection processes.

• Manage commercial relationships, contracts and service performance for key suppliers and delivery partners, ensuring contractual obligations and service expectations are achieved.

• Monitor and enhance the availability, resilience, cybersecurity and operational performance of networks, telecoms, SCADA and EMS services.

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, cybersecurity, audit and Critical National Infrastructure requirements for Operational Technology services.

• Maintain appropriate service documentation, asset inventories, risk registers, operational procedures and service governance records.

• Work collaboratively with EirGrid teams and service providers to support the delivery and operation of the all-island EMS and associated operational services.

• Engage effectively with Technology Operations, Cybersecurity, System Operations, Grid Infrastructure and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure operational requirements are understood and delivered.

• Support operational readiness, transition planning and capability development arising from SONI's evolving operational independence and Licence Condition 42 requirements.

• Represent SONI in relevant governance, programme and operational forums, ensuring SONI's operational, regulatory and business requirements are effectively represented.

• Provide leadership and guidance during major operational events and maintain readiness to support the escalation and management of critical incidents outside normal working hours.

Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria

• A third-level qualification in IT, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• Significant experience supporting EMS, SCADA, operational networks and telecoms within a real-time, 24/7 critical infrastructure environment.

• Experience within the electricity, utilities or wider regulated infrastructure sectors.

• Experience working in, or supporting, a transmission system control centre environment, with an understanding of real-time operational practices.

• Experience with GE e-terra or a comparable EMS/SCADA platform.

• Technical knowledge of corporate and operational networks, telecoms and SCADA communication technologies, including Cisco routing, switching and security technologies.

• Experience managing suppliers, contracts and service providers, including the governance of service levels, commercial performance and delivery outcomes.

• Experience developing business cases, supporting investment planning or contributing to funding proposals within a regulated or critical infrastructure environment.

• Experience leading technology change initiatives, infrastructure upgrades or service improvement programmes within Operational Technology environments.

• Experience managing major incidents, service restoration activities and post-incident reviews within business-critical environments.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including the ability to work across organisational boundaries and explain technical concepts clearly to different audiences.

• The ability to develop, maintain and document operational processes, controls and procedures aligned with regulatory obligations and SONI's evolving operational independence.

Desirable / helpful criteria
The following would be helpful, but are not essential:

• Experience with Cisco Enterprise solutions, including Meraki WiFi and Cisco Call Manager/SAMWIN.

• Experience leading complex technology investment programmes across Operational Technology and Corporate Technology environments.

• Experience supporting procurement activities, including the development of technical specifications, tender evaluations and supplier selection processes.

• Experience in asset lifecycle management, technology roadmapping, capacity planning or obsolescence management.

• An understanding of cybersecurity standards, frameworks and practices relevant to Operational Technology and Critical National Infrastructure.

• Experience supporting regulatory reporting, regulatory submissions, audit engagement or compliance activities relating to Operational Technology services.

• Experience operating within complex governance structures or shared-service operating models and representing organisational requirements effectively.

• ITIL certification or experience applying IT service management good practice within operational environments.

Company Agreement Framework

• Pay and Progression: Roles are aligned to a defined salary band, with progression based on experience, competence and performance.

• Hours, Shifts and Standby: Working hours reflect operational requirements and may include shift working or standby participation.

• Overtime and Allowances: Overtime and role‑related allowances may apply where additional or unsocial hours are worked.

• Leave Arrangements: Annual leave is provided alongside statutory holidays.

• Pension: Access to Company pension arrangements is available.

• Probation and Employment Conditions: Appointments are subject to a probationary period, with absence, performance and conduct managed in line with Company policies.

Further detail is provided as part of the offer process.
Why join us?

• Play a vital role in supporting Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission system and enabling a cleaner, more secure energy future.

• Be part of an organisation with a clear public service purpose and a strong focus on safety, reliability and teamwork.

• Join a work environment that recognises the operational nature of the role and values commitment, professionalism and collaboration.

• Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch, where available.

• Access professional development opportunities and pathways to build skills and progress your career.

• Be part of an inclusive and supportive culture that treats people with fairness, respect and dignity.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications is 08 October.

SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.

We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.