Applications Manager

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be exclusively partnering with Invest NI as they prepare to hire an Applications Manager. A key responsibility of the role is to motivate, manage and develop the Applications Team, and the contract management / workload of a number of external subcontractors, to ensure the organisation's applications, databases and systems are high-performing and customer-focused.

Invest NI is transforming to be a world leading economic development agency responsible for driving a high-performance 10x economy. They do this by supporting new and existing small to large businesses from right across the region to increase export sales, drive high value job creation, improve skills and boost productivity-whilst also attracting new inward investment to the region.

Your new role
The Applications Manager will report to the Head of Internal Operations Division. The Applications Manager will manage the lifecycle of Invest NI's Digital Technology application portfolio including CRM (Microsoft Dynamics 365), Documents & Records Electronic Content Management System (SharePoint), bespoke Grant Management Software and Cognos BI reporting environment, Finance, HR and Payroll and well as a number of other applications.

Do you see yourself as someone who has the experience to allow them to take on responsibility for the management of Invest NI's Applications Team, ensuring the availability of the current business applications, assessing the value for money of the applications suite and the suitability of the ICT services for the needs of Invest NI?
This is an exciting post and will allow you to be responsible for driving innovation and supporting the needs of Invest NI's internal and external customers as a key leader in the delivery of their Digital Technology roadmap. This job includes management of the Digital Technology Applications budget, provision of senior technical advice and guidance and responsibility for larger projects and more significant technical challenges.
The successful applicant will also work with the Business Improvement team to scope and deliver the technical aspects of business improvements and work with the Programme and Project Office in the continuous delivery of robust updated and new systems.

What you'll need to succeed
To be considered for the role, applicants must be able to demonstrate experience in each of the following essential criteria. Recent has been defined as within the past 8 years.

• A track record of recent management of software implementation projects, with demonstrable experience of data migration, testing and experience of implementing large systems using project management methodologies, e.g. Prince II or Agile.
• Experience of requirements capture with ability to work with user groups and senior management to gather and define requirements.
• Experience of Business Case development, with experience of managing Supplier SLA's and relationships to develop and deliver effective solutions.
• Customers focused on the ability to deal effectively with end-user problems.
• An ability to motivate, collaborate with and lead others with a successful track record in providing direction and managing performance of staff.
• Experience of identifying and implementing significant process improvements to deliver quantifiable business improvement. Ability to solve problems and think analytically. Strong organisational, project, and time management skills.
• Technical experience of managing core business applications ensuring they are secure, stable and fit for purpose. Ability to drive strategy based on industry best practice.

What you'll get in return
Salary The salary range for this position is £52,578 - £56,237 per annum (Grade 7, 2022 Pay Scale).

The entry point for the successful candidate will be at the minimum of the range. This role attracts an annual ICT Allowance of £2122.

This will be paid and backdated after 6 months.
PensionThey offer all employees access to an attractive pension scheme.
LocationThe role will be based within Invest NI's headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. There is a hybrid approach to working which allows Invest NI's people to work a maximum of 60% of their time at home. There is also flexibility to work remotely across our Regional Office Network.
HolidaysAnnual leave entitlement will be 25 days per annum with an additional 12 Public and Privilege holidays. The leave year runs from 1st February to 31st January.
Learning and DevelopmentInvest NI is committed to supporting staff to reach their full potential.

Invest NI actively develops all staff and invests significantly in training and development for business success and personal growth.

This includes on-the-job training, external training and, where appropriate, further education.
Other benefitsMaintaining a positive work/life balance is important to Invest, NI and we have a range of policies to help achieve this including flexible working practices, for example parental leave, provision of special leave for emergencies and employee welfare services.

You will have access to a number of other schemes including Healthcare, Cycle to Work, and Annual Commuter Travel Card.

Invest NI have a variety of vibrant Employee Connection Groups as part of their commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, and a Sports and Social Committee. Invest NI promotes positive health and wellbeing through regular events and initiatives throughout the year.
What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. The selection process is via an application form which will be provided.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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