Telecoms Asset & Development Manager

perth and kinross, scotland, United Kingdom

Role: Telecoms Asset and Development Manager

Sector: Distributed Energy Networks

Location: Hybrid - Perth, Scotland

Start Date: May 2024

Duration: Initial 6-Months + Possible Extension

Rates: £500 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella

Clearance: BPSS

Must have Full UK Working Rights to be considered for this position

Role Overview:

To forecast and manage the health of various communications systems detailed in Knowledge section, supporting operation of the Electricity Networks north & south to ensure integrity and service is maintained whilst ensuring acceptable safety, performance, cost and risk. Each appointed Asset Manager will be required to develop strategies for multiple systems as allocated by their line manager.

Accountabilities:

Safety

Consider health and safety at all stages of the project development process and look to find ways to reduce risk when developing the communication systems portfolio.

Consult with and advise Transmission & Distribution Operations, Outage Planning to deliver a robust communications solution that facilitates the safe operation of the Electricity Networks while maintaining system integrity.

Ensures communication systems comply with all industry standard specifications with respect to normal operation, exceptional events and black start.

Responsible for safety and environmental criticality risk assessment of all communications assets and services supporting operation of the Electricity Networks

Asset Management

Ensure satisfactory communication system performance whilst balancing risk and cost to the Electricity Networks Business entities.

Monitor and review the condition of all communications assets and services supporting the electricity Networks.

Develop and maintain Communications Portfolio to ensure Networks can deliver required outputs and management of network risk.

Work closely with key stakeholders to develop the methodology for the calculation of the cost of communication systems to support the Network Output Measures and the Network Risk Trade-Off Mechanism

Set targets for the maintenance of communications assets & services that monitors performance against target.

Set targets for the condition assessment of communication assets and monitors performance against target.

Gathering and publication of asset management benchmarking activities for continued improvement to communications systems.

Financial Management

Develop and produce costs for all communications projects.

Responsible for Cost Benefit Analysis for all communications projects supporting the Electricity Networks.

Oversee the communications budget through to project completion in conjunction with the Telecoms Manager to ensure efficient expenditure.

Business Development

Develop, justify, review and/or approve business cases for communications projects, including the assessment of various options and analysis for the most beneficial cost v risk solution.

Develop, justify, review and submit business cases for communications projects, including the assessment of various options and analysis for the most beneficial cost v risk solution for Director and/or Board approval.

Ensure the relevant sign-offs from a planning, regulatory or statutory perspective in order for the business case to be successful when it is presented at the Project Review Board.

Review and issue change controls to the business case to take account of changes in the project scope or requirements to ensure economic and efficient project delivery

Communication Systems Capex Project Management

Develop communication system projects to assess the appropriate options (cost & technical).

Provide and influence technical expertise to ensure effective implementation whilst taking into consideration the future needs of the client. Align projects to facilitate efficient communications solutions for Non-load Related, Reinforcement and Connections projects, generator connections that will facilitate a cost benefit to meet the

changing nature of the Electricity Networks

Develop capital projects through Gate 0 to 3, securing the appropriate stages of funding in order to deliver projects on time and on budget for the safeguarding of the future communications systems for the client.

Produce scope, cost and programme for all communications projects to ensure that fit for purpose designs are co-ordinated with the reinforcement projects.

Work with Project Managers, Infrastructure Planners, OTN Design Authority and OT Security Managers to establish the feasibility and scope of each project to ensure that a practicable and cost-effective project is developed.

Review business cases for submission and seek approval in accordance with the Large Capital Project governance process (LCP) or Distribution Investment Management Framework

Cyber & Information Security Data Assurance

Develop communication solutions that fully comply with all OT, IT, regulatory and legal requirements to protect data and prevent intrusions.

Ensure gathering and maintenance of accurate and complete data sets, implement processes that prevents uncontrolled change without data security approval.

Determine and ensure reliability and auditability of primary system data

Liaise with Transmission & Distribution Operations to ensure reliability and auditability of data collected in the field.

Regulatory Requirements

Contribute to RIIO submissions for spend requirements on communications solutions and power autonomy. Deliver accurate, complete and timely reporting to the Finance and Business Planning team in conjunction with an associated commentary.

Ensure communications systems adhere to client Business compliance with licence conditions falling under the purview of the Asset Management team

Further Responsibilities

Internal & External Stakeholder Management

Mentoring & Development

Innovation & Improvement

Requirements:

Business Knowledge

Sound commercial understanding.

Understand the cost v risk profile for CI’s CML’s

Detailed working knowledge of all areas of the client’s Business processes & procedures

Detailed understanding of client Operational process & procedures for supply restoration

Understanding of governance applied to safety critical engineering processes

Essential Functional / Technical Skills

Degree in Electronics Engineering or equivalent

Good theoretical and practical understanding of telecommunication systems.

Good understanding of the Operational Safety rules would be an advantage.

Through understanding of Risk Assessment and mitigation processes applied to engineering processes.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills – applied to clear unambiguous technical documents

Sound knowledge in multiple systems and associated architecture in some or all of the following:

Microwave, Fibre, Data Networking, TSAT, VSAT, Scanning Radio, LTE, PMR, GPRS, PDH/SDH Mux, meshed networks and identifying other technologies that can facilitate a smooth transition to DSO model

Sound knowledge in radio frequency (RF) planning with sufficient technical knowledge of Ofcom licencing

process to acquire spectrum and contribute to Ofcom consultations.

Good knowledge of SCADA, automation and protection

Personal Attributes / Competencies

Ability to develop and implement engineering strategy.

Record of implementing new ideas.

Ability to influence outside of the organisation with stakeholders such as BEIS/ENA.

Calm logical unbiased approach to difficult situations, such as significant incident investigation.

Excellent team player – able to persuade managers in the wider business to do the right thing for Networks and the wider client.

Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity.

Motivated and driven to succeed