National Highways
Lead Operational Technology Specialist - Tunnel Systems
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About the Role
As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are recruiting to strengthen internal digital capability within the Digital Technical Competence team. These roles are central to building sustainable in-house expertise that supports the design, development, and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network.
A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities. As a result, we are recruiting a Lead Operational Technology Specialist – Tunnel Systems & Technology.
This is a critical leadership role, acting as the technical authority for tunnel systems and operational technology. You will ensure that products and services across our tunnel estate are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose, supporting the effective management of traffic while driving innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term capability development.
This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for tunnel systems and operational technology, working closely with the Principal OT Architect for Tunnels and Connected Vehicles and senior stakeholders, to shape direction, offer challenge, and support informed decision-making.
- Act as the technical authority for tunnels OT, strategically driving governance and assurance processes that support tunnel renewals and the adoption of emerging technologies, digital solutions and data-driven approaches to asset management, with risks clearly understood and mitigated before deployment.
- Define and drive the technical strategy for tunnel systems, developing architectural guardrails, specifications, and long-term roadmaps across technologies such as:
- SCADA
- ITS systems (e.g., incident detection, monitoring, information, communication products)
- Digital elements of Mechanical & Electrical Systems (e.g., fire detection, ventilation, drainage)
- Telecommunication systems, to enhance safety, reliability, obsolescence management, and performance
- Lead the development of business cases, procurement approaches, and supplier engagement, promoting the adoption of COTS solutions and open standards while ensuring alignment to future architecture and organisational strategy.
- Build and strengthen Operational Technology capability by:
- Mentoring colleagues
- Collaborating across teams
- Supporting the OT community
- Translating complex technical challenges into clear, accessible insights that drive continuous improvement.
- Manage the budgets allocated by the Head of Operational Technology Systems Engineering and Principal OT Architect for Tunnels and Connected Vehicles, in line with the Digital Services financial governance processes.
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Requirements
About You
- Deep expertise in operational technology within complex engineering environments such as tunnel systems; with a strong understanding of functional safety, resilience, availability, and performance.
- Strong understanding of traffic control standards / specifications, with the ability to align technical solutions to legislative frameworks such as:
- The Standards for Highways
- The Road Tunnel Safety Regulations
- Experience working with technical standards and technology specifications, including knowledge of:
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS); e.g., SCADA, PLC, control and automation systems;
- Information products, monitoring, and detection systems;
- Good working awareness of environmental considerations, industrial communication protocols, networking, telecommunications, and power systems.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights, while working effectively with business and technical stakeholders to:
- Shape solutions
- Guide design decisions
- Resolve complex challenges
- Strong capability in technical governance, strategy, and integration, with the ability to develop:
- Roadmaps
- Standards
- Architectures, ensuring systems are effectively integrated to meet business needs and performance outcomes.
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About Us
Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers experience safer, smoother, and more reliable journeys.
Our priorities are safety, customers, and delivery. At the core of these priorities are our values:
- Passion
- Integrity
- Safety
- Teamwork
- Ownership
The Digital Services Directorate is reshaping the way National Highways operates, delivering digital, data, and technology services across all areas—from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that:
- Empowers our colleagues
- Provides real-time information to our customers
- Integrates with intelligent vehicle and transport systems, enhancing journey safety and reliability as they evolve.
Benefits
External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
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