Lead Software Developer

MCS Group is proud to be partnering with the Northern Ireland Assembly, in their search for a Lead Software Developer on a temporary basis.

The role:

• Coach, develop and manage a team of software developers using Agile processes and reporting.
• Provide expert technical advice and leadership in all aspects of Agile software development processes.
• Provide technical advice to the Deputy Head of IS Office/Principal Developer to assist them in managing, evaluating and prioritizing software development requests received through the IS Request System and delegate appropriately to staff in the Application Development Team.
• Leading software development project.
• Meet with system stakeholders throughout the duration of a project to gather, develop and evaluate business requirements, agree on user and technical specifications, regularly update through review meetings and system demonstrations and seek final project sign-off.
• Manage work to agreed plans and objectives with Assembly Members, Party Support and Assembly Commission staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Business Relationship team to gather customer requirements.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications, user stories and work tasks for the Application Development Team.
• Plan and lead the analysis of application features and groups of user stories using Agile processes.
• Using Azure DevOps, plan and lead feature delivery in Agile sprints.
• Plan and lead the design of software features, user stories and components using modelling techniques such as conceptual models, Data Flow diagrams and Object-Oriented Design Principles to agree technical specifications.
• Plan and lead the implementation and development of software features, user stories and components using the latest Microsoft technologies.
• Plan and lead the testing of software components using C# unit testing.
• Using Azure DevOps, provide regular progress updates to the Deputy Head of IS Office/Principal Developer.
• Provide technical advice, training and support on the use of bespoke business critical procedural applications, third-party software solutions and software packages to Assembly Members, Party Support and Assembly Commission and staff to ensure the smooth running of Plenary and Committee business.
• Provide first-line technical support of bespoke systems, corporate ICT systems and 3rd party software, prioritising business-critical procedural systems to ensure the smooth running of Plenary and Committee business by diagnosing and resolving bugs and software related issues effectively and efficiently to ensure full resolution of issues.
• Perform project management duties for corporate and directorate software projects by fulfilling the role of technical assurance and project manager.
• Oversee the design of database tables and relationships using Entity Relationship models.
• Oversee the implementation of database designs using the latest Microsoft SQL, Server, Management Studio and SQL code.
• Manage, develop and provide technical support and advice for cloud services such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint Online, ensuring the business needs of Assembly Members, Party Support and Assembly Commission staff are met.
• Perform the role of contract manager for software support contracts with 3rd party suppliers in line with procurement guidelines.
• Investigate and analyse new software products, including the production of assessment reports and recommendations.
• Provide consultancy for a wide range of ICT enabled activities within the organisation, including acting as an ICT expert on corporate & interparliamentary working groups.
• Establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Assembly Members, business areas across the Assembly Commission and other ICT staff from the Northern Ireland Civil Service, non-departmental public bodies and other legislatures.
• Assist the Head of IS Office and Deputy Head of IS Office/Principal Developer in the development and implementation of relevant IT policy, standards and procedures.
• Assist the Head of IS Office and Deputy Head of IS Office/Principal Developer in the development, implementation and monitoring of IT security measures.
• Liaise with other IS Office staff in maintaining effective ICT services.
• Provide technical support and advice for IS Office Service Desk staff when dealing with software-related problems.
• Use Azure DevOps Test to create user acceptance and performance testing plans.
• Comply with all the Assembly Commission’s staff policies and procedures, including Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work policies and procedures; and undertake other duties that the Assembly Commission reasonably requires of you.

The Person:

Applicants for the post must, by the closing date for applications, have:

Engineering or other discipline relevant to Information Systems / Information

Technology*.

AND

At least 1 year’s experience in leading and managing an application development team.

AND

At least 2 years’ experience in each of the following areas:

later and C#.NET and ASP.NET programming skills.

iii. Database Design based on Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or later.

OR

Information Systems / Information Technology*.

AND

At least 1 year’s experience in leading and managing an application development team.

AND

At least 3 years’ experience in each of the following areas:

later and C#.NET and ASP.NET programming skills.

iii. Database Design based on Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or later

*NB Only those courses with a computing content of 50% or more will be considered and applicants must give full details on the application form of how the content of the course meets this requirement.

The Rewards:

As the successful applicant, you will receive the following:

• £42,345 per annum (+ £10,043 salary supplement p.a.)
• Excellent annual leave allowance
• You will be joining a warm, friendly team environment with a fantastic organisation

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, specialist recruitment consultant at MCS Group on or s.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs