Technical Architect

ESP Utilities Group Ltd; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading utility firm in Leatherhead is seeking a Technical Architect to lead the design of solutions for heat network metering and billing. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and overseeing the delivery of secure, scalable systems. The ideal candidate has extensive architecture experience in utilities, familiarity with regulatory frameworks like Ofgem, and is TOGAF certified. This is a mid-senior level position on a temporary contract, offering the chance to lead innovative energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in technology solution architecture for utilities.
• Experience designing secure and compliant technical solutions.
• Deep familiarity with utility regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead design for technical solutions in heat metering and billing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Oversee technical delivery and performance monitoring.

Skills

Technology solution architecture

Metering and billing systems

Data integration

Regulatory compliance

LoRaWAN and MBus networking

TOGAF Certified

Excellent documentation skills

Education

Formal architecture qualification

Job description

Technical Architect – Heat Networks (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)

As part of our growth strategy, ESP is launching Heat as our fourth utility. ESP’s District Heat proposition offers a highly energy‑efficient, cost‑competitive low‑carbon heating system solution for developers. Future Homes Standard compliant and ‘Regulation Ready’, it’s adaptability and ease of installation, along with value and reliability benefits for the consumer, make it the energy system of the future. To enable the business to launch this proposition in 2026, we are seeking to appoint a Technical Architect to lead the detailed technical solution design across Business Applications, Data, Networks and Security platforms.

Role Purpose

Lead the design and oversight of technical solutions for heat network metering, billing, and operational monitoring, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements (Ofgem, Heat regulations, Energy Act† 2023, HNTAS, CIBSE CP1). Ensure the architecture for heat can be replicated for water and other business‑to‑customer utilities metering services.

Key Responsibilities

• Networking & Data Integration: Architect solutions incorporating LoRaWAN and MBus networking, ensuring robust, secure, and scalable data integration across all metering, billing, and operational systems.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure all solutions are compliant with appropriate ISO†/†CAF†/NIS security frameworks and relevant regulatory standards, including cyber‑physical security controls for metering and network hardware.
• Regulatory Assurance & Reporting: Embed HNTAS code compliance and audit readiness within architecture. Design and implement automation for regulatory data submissions to Ofgem (e.g., network authorisation data, consumer protections, pricing metrics).
• Data Architecture & Platform Management: Define and oversee the implementation of data architecture, data platform management, and integration with reporting, CRM, metering, and billing systems. Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
• Performance Monitoring & Analytics: Define and implement system performance monitoring and analytics to track efficiency, meet Ofgem’s reliability standards, and support net‑zero objectives.
• Delivery Oversight: Oversee technical delivery, ensuring solutions are implemented to specification, on time, and within budget.
• Third‑Party Coordination: Coordinate with third‑party providers as required to ensure technical solutions are integrated and meet business and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Governance: Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, support governance forums, and ensure transparent decision‑making and escalation.
• Continuous Improvement: Capture lessons learned and drive ongoing improvement in technical solution design and delivery.
• Authority, Team Structure & Metrics: Responsible for technical solution design and oversight; matrix leadership of internal SMEs and coordination with external providers. Success measures: solution quality, compliance, delivery to specification, stakeholder satisfaction, and smooth transition to business‑as‑usual operations.

Key Skills

• Extensive experience as a subject matter expert in technology solution architecture for utilities or infrastructure programmes, with a focus on metering, billing, payments, data, and operational monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and overseeing delivery of secure, compliant, and integrated technical solutions involving networking (LoRaWAN, MBus), data integration, and platform management.
• Deep familiarity with regulatory frameworks (Ofgem, Heat regulations, Energy Act† 2023, HNTAS, CIBSE CP1) and security standards (CAF/NIS).
• TOGAF® Certified (v9.2 or later), or equivalent formal architecture qualification, with demonstrable experience applying structured architecture frameworks within complex, regulated environments such as utilities or critical national infrastructure.
• Proven ability to coordinate with third parties and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent documentation, governance, and executive‑level communication skills.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Temporary

Job Function

Information Technology

Industry

Utilities

Location: Leatherhead, England, United Kingdom