Job Description

Job Advert

Role Context

ESP is one of the UK's largest and longest established independent multi-utility companies. We provide water, electricity, and gas services to almost one million residential, industrial, and commercial customers. As the network owner and operator, we are responsible for maintaining the network and repairing any faults on our network safely and as quickly as possible. As leaders of the electric vehicle revolution, we're rapidly linking EV infrastructure to the grid - speeding the way to a greener future.



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 details technical solution design across Business Applications, Data, Networks and Security platforms.



ESP is a business dedicated to continuous improvement and the introduction of service aligns with our strategy to sustain our leading position within the market. To do this, we need the people, systems and processes in place that enable us to offer an ease of business that secures customer loyalty. This role will be dedicated to addressing and delivering this strategically identified project. We are a business who care about the work we do, and the stakeholders we support, and therefore we seek to find individuals with a similar approach. We encourage a culture that is underpinned by our ESP Values and Behaviours:

Be Excellent; We hold ourselves and others to account; we strive for continuous improvement; we simplify the complex and deliver quality*

Be Transparent; We are open and honest; we admit and learn from our mistakes; we are approachable and accessible*

Be Ambitious; We are committed to developing our people; we push the boundaries to grow our business; we are willing to learn and adapt*

Be Respectful; We treat others with respect and professionalism; we are considerate of everyone's workloads and priorities; we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace*

Be Collaborative; We share knowledge, are open to new ideas and welcome input from all; we work together as one team to deliver success; we have fun and enjoy what we do*

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.