Technology Project Lead – Digital Transformation (Energy & Utilities)

Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, ae

Company Description

Talan is a global consulting group specialising in innovation and transformation through technology. For over 20 years, we have partnered with companies and public organisations to drive meaningful change.

We are purpose driven, working across diverse sectors to tackle social and environmental challenges, simplify and improve market operations, leverage digital transformation, and ensure that data is managed responsibly and ethically.

Our expertise spans consultancy and outsourcing services, including Technology, Data & AI and Consulting

Job Description

Talan is seeking an experienced Technology Project Lead to deliver complex Digital Transformation programmes across the Energy and Utilities sector. The successful candidate will lead Smart Grid, Operational Technology (OT), Cloud, Data and AI initiatives, supporting the modernisation of transmission, distribution and enterprise technology environments.

The role requires strong programme leadership, stakeholder management and practical experience of utility operations, OT/IT integration and modern grid technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end digital transformation programmes from initiation through to operational handover.
• Deliver Smart Grid, Grid Modernisation, SCADA, ADMS, DERMS and Digital Substation initiatives.
• Manage Cloud, Data, AI and enterprise technology transformation programmes.
• Establish programme governance, budgets, schedules and executive reporting.
• Lead OT/IT integration across operational and enterprise systems.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams, vendors and senior client stakeholders.

Technical Experience

Candidates should demonstrate experience across several of the following areas:

• Digital Utility Transformation: Smart Grid, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Network Management, Asset Management and Customer Transformation.
• Operational Technology: SCADA, ADMS, DMS, EMS, DERMS, OMS, Distribution and Substation Automation.
• Cloud, Data & AI: Azure and/or AWS, Enterprise Data Platforms, AI/Generative AI, Predictive Analytics and Digital Twins.
• Enterprise Systems: OT/IT integration, SAP PM, IBM Maximo, Hexagon, GIS, MDMS, Outage Management Systems and Enterprise Integration platforms.

Industry Knowledge

Experience with utility communication protocols and industry standards is highly desirable, including IEC 61850 (Digital Substations, GOOSE communications and SCL engineering), IEC 60870-5-101/104, DNP3, Modbus, OPC-UA and IEC 62443.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Master's degree and certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, SAFe, TOGAF, ITIL, Microsoft Azure or AWS.

Experience

• 12+ years delivering technology or digital transformation programmes.
• 5+ years within the energy, utilities, transmission or distribution sectors.
• Proven experience leading Smart Grid, SCADA, OT/IT or Digital Utility programmes.
• Experience delivering Cloud, Data and AI initiatives within regulated utility environments.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management and multi-vendor programme delivery experience.

Additional Information

#TalanUK