Head of Architecture and Strategy

Head of Architecture & Strategy

Location: Glasgow – hybrid working

Salary: Up to £105K (up to 30% Performance Bonus + Healthcare + Car allowance)

Help us create a better future, quicker

The Head of Architecture and Strategy role will lead the development of the Digitalisation strategy for SP Energy Networks (SPEN), making sure our applications and architecture deliver the processes required to realise our Digital and our data strategies, and support our business’ net zero goals.

Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) has a complex application estate covering IT and OT which will need to continuously evolve to deliver our digital transformation. Some examples of the types of applications deployed include Regulatory Systems, Customer Relationship Management, Resource planning, Asset Management and GIS, Field Work Management, Operational, Management System and Business Intelligence. This role focuses on the IT rather than OT side and is a core role in supporting the business to deliver their ambitions through digital transformation.

You’ll be accountable for the Digital strategy, application roadmaps, upholding standards & guidelines, governance processes, and stakeholder management. You’ll have the opportunity to introduce new digital technologies to deliver customer value. This role will work closely with Scottish Power’s IT teams, Group Architecture, the global networks businesses, and our strategic partners. The role will support the SPEN Data Strategy & Transformation team in developing and realising the digital tools to support their ambitions, and will operate as a lead engagement with the operational businesses across SPD, SPM and SPT.

You’ll lead the team to assess, architect and design solutions, looking for the best value and supporting the delivery of SPEN’s Innovation activities.

What you’ll be doing

Accountable for the definition of the Digital strategy and application roadmaps, you will develop the strategic and technology vision for SPEN IT aligned to business goals and industry trends, working closely with the delivery teams to ensure that our IT delivery Masterplan is delivered, aligned to this vision while exploiting available technologies. 

The role will lead a team of creative architects, through mentoring and coaching, you’ll be expected to ensure that we gain technology advantage in all the solutions we deliver, as well as ensuring that the delivery rigours are maintained by upholding architectural standards & guidelines, overseeing design authorities and governance processes, and being an excellent stakeholder manager.

You’ll have the opportunity to introduce new digital technologies to deliver value both to internal and external customers and stakeholders. This role will work closely with Scottish Power’s IT teams, Group Architecture, and the global networks businesses, and will work closely with our strategic partners.

You’ll also assess, architect and design solutions, looking for best value and economies of scaling, identify new technologies and assessing their value to the business in support of the delivery of SPEN’s Innovation activities.

You’ll have the freedom to be a technology evangelist and visionary, ensuring SPEN maintain a grip on the latest technologies.

What we’re looking for

• Experience leading strategy and design of enterprise level architecture programs, ideally within the utilities industry (but utilities experience is not mandatory)

• Ideally, you will have some knowledge of electricity transmission and distribution networks and be aware of regulatory frameworks (such as RIIO-ED2/T2 or across other regulated industries)

• People Leadership experience of managing application and solution architects

• Leadership experience, demonstrating expert technical and people leadership skills

• Strong stakeholder management

• Technical skills (ERP, CRM, Cloud, SAP, IT)

Due to the level of this position, successful candidates will be required to complete additional background checks and any offer is subject to passing such checks. 

What’s in it for you  

As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we’ll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.   

At ScottishPower, we believe it’s the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family’s wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action – our benefits are designed to help you do just that -  so that you have everything you need to take care of your world – today and tomorrow. That’s why our benefits include: 

• 36 days annual leave 

• Hol