Lead Tunnel OT & Digital Systems Architect

National Highways; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways is seeking a Lead Operational Technology Specialist - Tunnel Systems & Technology to steer technical strategy across tunnel OT, SCADA, ITS, and telecoms. You will lead governance, develop roadmaps, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure safety, reliability, and performance of the tunnel estate.

You will guide architecture decisions, mentor teams, and drive the adoption of open standards while managing budgets and initiatives that deliver long-term capability and value for

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in operational technology within complex engineering environments such as tunnels with a strong understanding of functional safety, resilience, availability, and performance.
• Strong understanding of traffic control standards and how to align technical solutions with legislative frameworks for highway and tunnel safety.
• Experience with ITS systems, SCADA, PLC, control and automation, information products, monitoring and detection systems, and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for tunnel OT, working with senior stakeholders to shape direction and support informed decision-making.
• Define and drive technical strategy for tunnel systems, developing guardrails, specifications, and roadmaps across SCADA, ITS, and telecoms.
• Lead governance, assurance, and adoption of emerging technologies to support asset management and long-term capability development.
• Manage budgets for OT initiatives in line with governance processes.
• Mentor colleagues and translate complex technical challenges into clear insights for improvement.

Skills

Operational technology

Tunnels systems

Functional safety

ITS standards

Tools

SCADA

PLC

Networking

Job description

National Highways is seeking a Lead Operational Technology Specialist - Tunnel Systems & Technology to steer technical strategy across tunnel OT, SCADA, ITS, and telecoms. You will lead governance, develop roadmaps, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure safety, reliability, and performance of the tunnel estate.

You will guide architecture decisions, mentor teams, and drive the adoption of open standards while managing budgets and initiatives that deliver long-term capability and value for