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, were looking for a connected security expert 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, youll 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 youll 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 connectivityto 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
Youre 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 doesnt quite suit you!)
How we work
Ourblended working approach means youll 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. Ouractivesafetytracksite is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAPtesting facilities,triallingandassessingtheverylatest 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
Were 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! Were 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
Were 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.
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