Job Description

About The Role
Job Purpose
To work collaboratively with Business Analysts, Data/BI analyst, cross-functional teams and other stakeholders to analyse current ICT systems and processes and lead on the design, development and configuration of technically feasible solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve the end user experience.
The key objectives of this role are:
To lead on translating the business and functional requirements gathered into technically feasible solutions that will enable organisational improvement and transformation.
To lead on most complex business system ICT helpdesk tickets, working to tight SLAs, providing the most efficient and effective ICT applications support to the organisation.
To participate in the selection of new systems and suppliers and work closely with application suppliers, managing progress against any outstanding open issues.
To collaborate with the Data/BI Analyst in the preparation and delivery of management information, ad-hoc analysis and reports to the business. This may include the creation of some reports as and when required.
Supporting the Business Systems Manager to champion the use of 'fit for purpose' applications across the organisation, ensuring that ICT is being used effectively as a tool to support the business at all times.
Dimensions

• No direct reports

Key Result Areas

• Translating business and functional requirements into technically feasible solutions.

• Creating technical specifications for solutions.

• Identifying opportunities for system and process improvements.

• Identifying issues, risks and benefits of existing and proposed solutions and outlining business impacts.

• Supporting business transition and helping to establish change.

• Staying up-to-date on the latest process and IT advancements to automate and modernize systems.

• Working closely with System Owners, Business Analyst and end users to manage their expectations and educate them so as to better inform their requirements e.g. in relation to understanding associated costs and benefits.

• Leading on the full project lifecycle which will normally include System and Process design, build, testing, training, system documentation and post go-live support and ongoing system administration and user support.

• Supporting the Business Systems Manager to deliver on project deadlines and ensure that any improvements to Applications and Information System processes are kept up to date and properly documented.

• To support the Business Analyst in writing up any functional / technical specifications and any project documentation.

• To configure core systems in order to meet end user requirements.

• To prepare timely adhoc information & reports (for whatever purpose) where the organisation is not yet able to 'Self-Serve' (ensuring that suitable quality controls are in place).

• To assist the Data/BI Analyst with the development & preparation of reporting tools which provide better Performance Monitoring and Management information

• Ensuring that users of information are made aware of any limitations (e.g. resulting from underlying data quality).

• Escalating any concerns e.g. around underlying data quality with the ICT Management Team and System Owners as appropriate, along with recommendations for improvement and script and implement data cleanses wherever necessary.

• To implement solutions in order to enforce data integrity.

• Work closely with other members of the ICT team to deliver the overarching ICT digital strategy.

Please only apply if you meet the below requirements:
Person Specification
Experience:

• At least 5 years' experience in a business systems analysis related role.

• Significant demonstrable experience of working on the full software development lifecycle.

• Significant demonstrable experience of advanced system administration and configuration.

• Significant demonstrable experience of advanced reporting and data analysis utilising SQL databases.

• Significant demonstrable experience of working on large, complex system implementations.

• Significant demonstrable experience of supporting numerous core systems on a daily basis.

• Leading and contributing to large meetings with varying levels of stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to identify areas for improvement and challenge the status quo and 'stuck' perceptions. Ability to understand end user requirements, translate into technically feasible solutions and document accordingly in detailed specifications.

• Strong facilitation skills both face to face and remote

• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and work with them to determine acceptable solutions

• System Configuration Skills - Ability to configure system forms / lookups along to specification in order to meet end user requirements.

• Strong Database / TSQL Skills - understanding database structures with the ability to write complex SQL queries, working with large datasets and further develop the database (tables, views, functions, stored procedures etc.).

• Reporting Tools -SSRS skills in order to represent information in an intuitive meaningful way.

• MS Office - Excellent working knowledge of all MS Office packages, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

• Requirements gathering - Ability to identify areas for improvement. Ability to understand end user requirements, translate into technically feasible solutions and document accordingly in detailed specifications.
• Testing Skills - Performing in depth testing, both destructive and UAT.
• Analytical Skills - Excellent analytical skills. Ability to identify data issues and implement measures to enforce data integrity.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Excellent influencing and persuasion skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.

Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

This role is Field Based and involves travel within the northwest of England, we can only accept applications from residents of the northwest. With our extended flexible working options, you can also choose to work a 9-day fortnight or a 4.5-day week, supporting our employees with their work life balance.
This role is Band II as per our structure.
About Us
We're Alternative Futures Group, a health and social care charity providing specialist support for people with a learning disability or mental health condition.
We're proud to have been positively changing lives and enabling people to achieve amazing outcomes for over 30 years.
We have a vision to create a world where amazing people do amazing things every day. Our skilled and experienced teams work with every person we support to create a personalised, outcome-focused plans to achieve their aspirations.
As a 'values based' employer, the people that work for us genuinely care about the people they support, and we are seeking likeminded people to join our team. If you are passionate about working in Health and Social Care and have a real desire to make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support then we would love to hear from you.
At AFG we also recognise the contribution and value that our staff make. We would not be able to provide the life changing support that we do without people like you!
In return for your contribution we will support you throughout your career and we provide a wide range of employee benefits, career development and lifestyle support services to ensure that you too feel supported, fulfilled and valued from day one of your employment with us.