Lead OT Specialist – Tunnel Systems & Tech

National Highways; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways is seeking a Lead Operational Technology Specialist for Tunnel Systems & Technology to lead OT governance, design, and delivery across the tunnel estate. Based in a National Highways office, this hybrid role focuses on safe, reliable, and innovative OT solutions that support traffic management and asset stewardship.

You will define technical strategy for tunnel OT, drive architecture guardrails, mentor teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to secure business cases,

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in operational technology within complex engineering environments such as tunnels systems.
• Strong understanding of traffic control standards and legislative frameworks.
• Experience with ITS systems including SCADA, PLCs, monitoring and detection with networking and power systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for tunnel OT and governance across renewals and technology adoption.
• Define and drive technical strategy for tunnel systems, including guardrails and roadmaps across SCADA, ITS, and M&E systems.
• Lead business case development, procurement approaches, and supplier engagement in line with strategy.
• Mentor OT colleagues and build capability across teams while translating complex challenges into actionable insights.
• Manage budgets for OT initiatives in line with digital governance processes.

Skills

OT expertise

Tunnel systems

SCADA

ITS systems

Governance

Architecture roadmaps

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Job description

National Highways is seeking a Lead Operational Technology Specialist for Tunnel Systems & Technology to lead OT governance, design, and delivery across the tunnel estate. Based in a National Highways office, this hybrid role focuses on safe, reliable, and innovative OT solutions that support traffic management and asset stewardship.

You will define technical strategy for tunnel OT, drive architecture guardrails, mentor teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to secure business cases,