Principal Operational Technology Lead - Thatcham, United Kingdom - Thatcham Research

Description

Principal Operational Technology (OT) Lead – Connected Security | Circa £75,000 negotiable + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid

About The Role

Would you like to work for a company that makes a real difference in the automotive industry? The historic work we have achieved has succeeded in reducing and controlling vehicle crime in the UK, reinforcing our position as World experts in vehicle security.

The automotive industry continues to evolve rapidly, with ever more cars connected to the internet, other cars, and infrastructure. The widening use of mobile devices and communication technologies means that the connectivity and cybersecurity applied to protect vehicles from cyber events must keep up with the pace. To ensure our approach to automotive security remains relevant, we're looking for a connected securityexpert to lead the way.

Working at the forefront of automotive cyber security and connectivity in the UK and across the globe, you will maintain close engagement with government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement, and insurers, to remain 'in the know' and suitably placed to guide our future research projects and business strategy.

To make this role a success, you'll need expertise in communication network security and solutions architecture, along with an inquisitive mind and excellent stakeholder management skills. You may currently be working as a Solutions Architect or an OT (Operational Technology) expert, with client facing experience.

Previous automotive experience is not essential, but you'll have an interest in automotive and will be excited by the prospect of influencing change within a fast paced and dynamic industry.

Your mission

• Be the subject matter expert (SME) for all aspects of automotive cyber security and connectivity to ensure industry robustness to emerging security threats.
• Maintain close engagement with Insurers and the ABI (Association of British Insurers) to ensure our strategies and actions are aligned with Insurer needs. Providing insight to support underwriting, risk and strategic planning, and claims identification and control
• Take the lead on connected vehicle strategy and processes.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders including vehicle manufactures and government bodies to advise and inform internal strategy.
• Partner with vehicle manufacturers to understand architectures and process associated with their systems and defining a joint approach to protecting such systems.
• Driving change and the adoption of global best practices, aligning understanding within the industry to establish and implement standards associated with cybersecurity and connectivity
• Keeping up to date with the threats and market trends
• Providing insight to motor insurers to support their underwriting, risk and strategic planning, and claims cost control

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Excellent knowledge and experience of communication and network architectures, system integration and associated security consideration, preferably in a distributed application field such as Operational Technology.
• Implementation and management of relevant processes and systems
• Familiarity with design for security, secure coding practices, processes, and methods
• Understanding of relevant regulations, security audit and testing landscapes
• Awareness of cyber incident monitoring, response, and management along with threat profiling
• Knowledge of relevant systems and emerging technologies (e.g. WiFi, 4G/5G, CAN)

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit

About you

You're hungry to continue your development journey as a cyber, communications and architecture technical SME. You are an excellent communicator and relationship builder and are comfortable presenting to a wide range of stakeholders, with the ability to adapt messages to suit your audience. Your work will promote Thatcham Research as the recognised global thought leader through input into papers, articles and standards and you will grow to act as the voice of Thatcham Research across the industry.

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £75,000 negotiable, dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 2 years' service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work & tech scheme)
• Money Health Financial Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 15:45 Fridays. (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn't quite suit you)

How we work

Our blended working approach means you'll spend time working from our office in Thatcham, Berkshire and from home should you wish to. Occasional travel will be required to our Gamston location to support customer on-site activity a well as other locations in the UK when required.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair.

With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre, Training Academy and Crime Lab, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry. Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our silver membership in the Automotive 30% Club, we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We're proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application We're continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on)
• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We're committed to removing invisible barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.