Senior Software Developer

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES          

Project scoping, planning & delivery

• To work with the IT Enablement manager to identify suitable projects for the Development Team to undertake
• Responsible for producing the project schedule for development projects outlining the tasks required and the timescales associated with each
• To manage the resources of the development team to ensure that the project schedule can be adhered to, dealing with and resolving any resource conflicts to ensure project success.
• To assess the impact of change requests received during the development process and revise the project plan accordingly
• To lead the development team to deliver projects against the overall project schedule.
• To work within the AGILE framework in collaboration with the SCRUM Master to ensure project sprints achieve their goals and the project is on time and meets the Product owner’s requirements

Solution design

• To define, select and develop a software delivery approach for use on College development projects in consultation with the IT Enablement manager
• To select the development languages that the College’s bespoke applications will be developed in
• To define, select and develop software and coding standards that will be adopted on development projects
• To lead, take ownership of and manage all design & development activities against the project plan
• To be responsible for all user engagement, ensuring that all necessary clarifications on the business requirements for the new solution are completed
• To be responsible for ensuring that all changes are managed through the IT Change Advisory Board
• To manage the MS Azure infrastructure, used by the development team, to ensure maximum performance for minimum cost

Solution build

• To lead the Development team as they work to deliver against the project plan.
• To define the build processes required to support the Belfast Met App across the Android and iPhone platforms
• To lead the development team, taking an active role in development, leading by example, and being the technical architect for all development projects
• To be responsible for ensuring that the team develops solutions that minimise the College’s reliance on the original developer for ongoing support and changes through sound documentation and controlled development methodologies.

Solution test

• To quality review all new developments prior to release for user acceptance testing
• To manage testing activities against the project plan

Solution release

• To define and manage the release process for all applications
• To ensure all applications maintain a continuity of availability during the release process and manage any downtime that may occur
• To be responsible for ensuring that all applications meet the IT Service Level Agreements

Incident & problem management

• To manage the investigation, diagnosis and resolution of incidents or problems relating to the College’s in-house bespoke applications
• To manage the customer relationships, ensuring they are informed of the progress of the incident or problem
• To analyse existing availability and performance issues and problems to determine ways to resolve them at acceptable cost levels

IT Capability development & knowledge management

• To work within the College’s software development approach, standards and guidelines which is currently Agile/Scrum
• To be responsible for ensuring that comprehensive documentation is produced for all software that is developed by the team
• To be responsible for maintaining a register of the College’s bespoke applications including their purpose and location of supporting documentation
• To seek realistic opportunities to shift operational responsibilities towards front-line support staff, enabling technical specialists to have a greater focus on new initiatives

• Staff management

• To manage the performance of direct reports using the College’s performance management system and guidelines
• To be responsible for identifying development needs for direct reports and create development plans including training requirements
• To keep staff apprised of changes to relevant policies, processes, procedures and services
• To take active involvement in the recruitment of Software Developers and other IT staff

• Personal development

• To participate in staff development and training programmes as required
• To keep up-to-date with latest developments in software development and relate these to the needs of the College

• General

• Act, if directed, as Fire Marshall or Fire Warden.
• Carry out, if directed, the role of First Aider (subject to College policy & procedures).
• To promote, implement and ensure compliance with all statutory obligations and College policies and procedures in particular the College’s Equality Scheme and Equal Opportunities Policy and actively promote equality and good relations in all aspects of college business.