Lead of Data Applications

Manpower have an exciting opportunity to join our client, the UK's largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education as a Lead of Data Applications based at their prestigious site in Milton Keynes (this is a hybrid role and will require working from the office when required).

This is a full-time, permanent role.

Depending on experience, this role is paying between £57,696 - £64,914 per annum, pro rata.

Data and Student Analytics supports stakeholders from across the University by enabling them to make evidence-based decisions using insight and analytics. You will be working in a team which is responsible for developing a suite of web-based applications which initially support stakeholders in understanding student behaviour and performance.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and develop a roadmap of data driven applications that support improved student experience and learning
• Lead and manage multiple cross functional teams of full-stack developers, product owners and testers, and be able to deliver on various web-based applications
• Create a fully functioning team that is passionate about implementation of data solutions that are effective and efficient in delivering the expected benefits. Take responsibility, plan and implement the delivery of technical data applications end to end from inception to deployment and maintenance. This includes full stack development and testing, implementing CICD, deployments and managing service
• Review code and provide technical direction to the team
• Own and evolve the tech stack and development of web applications for use by a large numbers of users
• Be responsible for all security, GDPR and accessibility compliance
• Be responsible for governance approvals
• Foresee risks, issues and dependencies associated with deliveries and mitigate/flag them appropriately
• Overseeing and assuring application quality (Development, End to end testing, Deployment, Documentation, etc)
• Overseeing technical support of the tech stack and web applications developed
• Managing third parties and external vendor stakeholders with regards to tech integration
• Work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and have influence over the strategic direction of tech solutions.
• Collaborate with product owners and external teams to develop solutions which will bring benefit to The Open University
• Communicate and report with various levels of the organisation providing progress reports, progress indicators and technical architecture to demonstrate outcomes
• Coach and mentor the team, resolve any conflict and build a high performing team
• Setting the technical direction of the team and contribute towards technology decisions

Key Skills Required

• Programming experience in full stack development of applications, in-depth background in front and back-end web development
• Knowledge of: Azure platform, CI/CD Pipelines, Scripting Languages, databases
• Experience in Devops and interested in new methodologies in technical development
• Experience in API design and development
• Experience working in modern open technology stacks
• Strong practical knowledge of accessibility, GDPR and implications for security
• Previous experience leading quality assurance (test coverage, , documentation, continuous deployment)
• Experienced in recruiting and leading development teams across the full stack
• Experience in coaching and mentoring
• Worked collaboratively and effectively in DevOps environments, working in an agile way including all of the usual agile ceremonies
• Knowledge of AGILE / SCRUM Methodologies
• Highly motivated, with a positive attitude to work and the ability to learn quickly
• Proactive, always on the lookout for developing ideas for new features by monitoring industry trends
• Able to work productively (including in a remote capacity), both autonomously and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
• Good communication skills with the ability to express issues to other technical and non-technical people.
• Ability to translate complex data into simple and precise language for the rest of the company.
• Ability to successfully lead a team; maximizing their full potential and talents.

Desirable:

• Exposure to multiple programming languages
• Exposure to Artificial intelligence and data analytics
• Exposure to data storage technologies (e.g., SQL/NOSQL).
• Knowledge and experience of good web and user interface design and web standards (e.g., W3C).

Our client promotes diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.