Information Technology Application Specialist

Job title: Retail Digital Application Specialist

Location: Fareham (on site 1 day per week)

Contract length: Up to 4 months (cover for long term sick leave)

Pay rate: £350 – £380 per day (inside IR35)

Job Overview

The Retail Digital Applications Specialist plays a pivotal role in managing the end-to-end delivery, support, and ongoing optimization of digital and mobile technology solutions across Freestanding and Department Stores. This position is responsible for implementing and maintaining retail-focused technologies—including mobile device management (MDM), in-store digital signage, audio systems, workforce management tools, digital receipts, appointment booking platforms, and more.

Acting as a technical lead, the specialist ensures system changes and innovations are aligned with business needs while maintaining a secure, reliable, and scalable infrastructure. This role also provides third-level technical support and collaborates closely with both internal teams and external partners to deliver high-impact digital retail solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Mobile Device & Application Management

• Manage a fleet of 2,500+ mobile devices across UK and EMEA using MDM platforms, ensuring adherence to security and configuration standards.
• Sign and manage iOS applications and certificates for internal deployment, maintaining compliance with best practices.
• Define, implement, and enforce configuration policies for mobile devices to maintain consistency and control across the estate.

Infrastructure & Network Support

• Collaborate with Global Infrastructure and Tech Operations teams to manage retail network components (e.g., Meraki), including IP configuration, Wi-Fi policies, and telecom services.
• Provide foundational network support to ensure stable and secure connectivity across retail locations.
• Support integration and operation of in-store technologies including audio systems and digital signage.

Business Engagement & Technical Collaboration

• Serve as the escalation point for complex mobile and retail technology incidents, beyond Tier 1 and 2 service desk capabilities.
• Manage collaboration platforms such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams to improve communication across retail teams.
• Partner with Business Analysts to translate operational needs into robust technical solutions and present findings in a clear, business-friendly format.
• Engage with brand stakeholders to ensure retail technology solutions align with business objectives.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation to support operations, compliance, and onboarding.
• Monitor and report on compliance metrics, device performance, and configuration standards.
• Coordinate and implement software updates and change management procedures to ensure minimal business disruption.

Project Delivery & Innovation

• Contribute to the successful delivery of cross-functional retail IT projects from conception through execution.
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives, identifying and testing emerging technologies for retail environments.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations to continuously improve digital retail operations.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• In-depth experience with Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms (e.g., Intune, JAMF, AirWatch).
• Hands-on experience with iOS device management and app signing/certificate processes.
• Working knowledge of both Mac OS X and Windows 10/11 environments.
• Familiarity with basic networking concepts and Wi-Fi security best practices.
• Understanding of ITSM frameworks including Incident, Problem, and Change Management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience managing digital signage systems and content platforms.
• Awareness of enterprise security standards and regulations (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR, SOX, PII).
• ITIL V3/V4 certification or equivalent service management qualifications.
• Background in retail IT operations and in-store technology support.
• Confident in presenting technical information at various organizational levels.

Success Metrics

• Seamless management of the mobile device estate with high compliance and uptime.
• Enhanced operational efficiency through reliable digital tools and infrastructure.
• High user satisfaction through timely support, clear communication, and proactive service.
• Successful rollout of innovative technologies and pilot programs.
• Strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, driving business-focused digital transformation.