Solution Architect - ESO

About the role

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

The Energy System Operator (ESO) are now looking for a Solution Architect, to operate within the “Strategy & Architecture” pillar of the ESO organisation and to work within the Commercial & Markets Domain. They will play a key role in the design, implementation, evolution, and integration of the systems in support of the business needs around new markets/products in particular.

This role can be based from Wokingham and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

About us

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the Future System Operator
In 2021, government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this Future System Operator to be created.  

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure, and affordable for all.  

The FSO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.

The time to act on climate change is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key Accountabilities

• Engage with key stakeholders to support the elicitation of requirements to ensure the Business / End-Users / Operational Teams needs are understood via workshops, meetings, user story and feature reviews.
• Map Solution requirements to Solution Design by converting business and technical requirements to Secure Solutions to support the required outcome.
• Work closely with key stakeholders such as Markets, End-Users, Operations, Security, Technical Risk, Solution / Development Teams to ensure requirements are captured in the architecture designs. 
• Present technical options and recommendations.
• Ensure the design aligns with and is approved / endorsed via the appropriate Governance processes, this includes presenting at the various governance boards.
• Provide support and guidance through the various testing phases.
• Responsible for the production and maintenance of required artifacts such as VROMs, Impact Assessments, High Level Designs and Low Level Designs.
• Work closely with Team members and other Solution Architects to define, document and resolve technical dependencies and blockers to achieve business outcomes and value.
• Support the development of strategy and relevant roadmaps.

About you

• Familiar with applying solution architecture tools and techniques.
• Working with other Architects to ensure principles are followed, standards are maintained such as maximum re-use of Technologies.
• Good written and verbal communications skills.
• Good stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels - colleagues, partners / vendors and project sponsors.
• Be able to present ideas and solutions for different stakeholders.
• Change Management, managing change processes in a complex technical environment.
• Can operate seamlessly in Waterfall and Agile methods of Delivery.
• Ideally some familiarity across cloud & integration tools, as well as programming & database technologies.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £60,000 – 70,000 – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

More information

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

#LI-SP1

#LI-hybrid