MES Architect

We are seeking an experienced Enterprise Manufacturing Architect to help define the future-state digital manufacturing platform for one of the UK’s largest infrastructure programmes.

This is a strategic design role rather than an implementation post. You will work closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, enterprise architects, and technology partners to develop the high-level architecture, evaluate different solution options, and establish the roadmap for the next phase of delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the manufacturing systems architecture workstream within the high-level design phase.
• Gather and validate core manufacturing business requirements.
• Work alongside the Manufacturing, Operations, IT, and Digital teams to map out current and future processes.
• Develop high-level solution architectures for digital manufacturing capabilities.
• Define the logical architecture across Manufacturing Execution, Production Planning, Quality, Inventory, Logistics, and Engineering.
• Help build the manufacturing capability model and define end-to-end data flows.
• Assess enterprise platform options alongside specialist manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate integration methods between MES, ERP, PLM, Scheduling, Quality, and shop-floor systems.
• Identify solution risks, assumptions, dependencies, and constraints.
• Support technology option assessments and vendor workshops.
• Produce clear architecture documentation, decision papers, and presentations for senior leadership.
• Contribute to the Executive Decision Gate to recommend the preferred strategic direction.

• Substantial experience delivering manufacturing or MES architecture within complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and modern manufacturing concepts.
• Proven track record of defining enterprise-level manufacturing architectures.
• Solid knowledge of ISA-95 standards and manufacturing system integration principles.
• Experience integrating Manufacturing, ERP, and Engineering systems.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders across both business and IT.
• Strong facilitation and workshop leadership skills.
• Experience producing clear architecture documentation suitable for executive governance.

Desirable

Experience with one or more of the following systems:

• SAP Digital Manufacturing / SAP ME/MII
• Siemens Opcenter
• DELMIA Apriso
• AVEVA MES
• Tulip
• Rockwell FactoryTalk
• Ignition
• AspenTech
• GE Proficy
• PTC ThingWorx

Knowledge of:

• SAP S/4HANA & PLM
• Manufacturing data platforms and connected data flows
• Azure & Microsoft Power Platform
• Industrial IoT & factory automation
• Integration platforms

Personal Attributes

• A strategic thinker who can balance practical business needs with technical considerations.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and helping to shape a clear direction.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and outcome-focused.
• Clear written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to executives.

Deliverables

You will contribute directly to the following outcomes:

• Manufacturing capability assessment
• Manufacturing solution architecture
• High-level design documentation
• Technology options assessment
• Integration architecture
• Requirements traceability matrix
• Executive Decision Gate documentation