Data And Applications Manager

An innovative organisation is seeking a Data & Applications Manager to shape and deliver the technology capabilities that will drive innovation, growth and operational excellence across the business. This role goes beyond managing a team; it’s an opportunity to define the organisation’s data strategy from the ground up, break down legacy silos, modernise processes and tooling, and build the "glue" that connects systems, data and workflows. You’ll guide a small but expanding team, work closely with third-party suppliers, and take a hands‑on approach where needed to accelerate delivery.

This is a well‑established organisation with a great reputation – they are at an important stage of evolution and embarking on a deeper digital transformation journey. They combine a rich heritage with a forward‑looking mindset focusing on innovation and using technology to solve complex real‑world challenges. They are investing in cloud adoption, smarter use of data, automation and platform modernisation. Technology and innovation teams work collaboratively with the wider business to shape solutions that are future‑ready, efficient and insight‑driven.

The organisation makes extensive use of the Microsoft data toolset, including SQL Server, Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, Fabric and PowerBI, supporting robust data engineering and analytics across the business. Automation and workflow solutions are delivered through the Microsoft Power Platform and Azure services such as LogicApps and Azure Automation. The team works with modern working practices including DevOps, Agile delivery, CI CD and collaborative coding, and combines low‑code no‑code development with modern application development approaches to deliver secure, efficient and reusable solutions.

As Data & Applications Manager, you will play a central role in building a coherent, scalable and modern data and application landscape. You’ll define the data strategy and architecture, identify opportunities to connect siloed systems, and create the frameworks that enable data to flow seamlessly across platforms. You will oversee a blend of BAU and transformation delivery, prioritising workloads, shaping roadmaps and ensuring your team is working on the right things at the right time. While this is a leadership role, you will also take a hands‑on approach where needed guiding architecture, reviewing code, or assisting with complex integrations to move projects forward. Development work is often required even when implementing SaaS solutions, so you will lead and coordinate application development efforts, ensuring coding standards, maintainability and alignment with the wider technology strategy.

You will:

• Define and lead the organisation’s data strategy, ensuring clarity around architecture, governance and the roadmap for improvement.
• Break down siloed applications and design the processes, integrations and data flows that connect the organisation end‑to‑end.
• Prioritise and manage a multi‑disciplinary team’s workload, ensuring focus, alignment and measurable impact.
• Take a hands‑on role where required assisting with architecture, development or troubleshooting complex technical challenges.
• Lead and coordinate application development efforts across bespoke and SaaS‑adjacent projects, ensuring solutions are maintainable, efficient, and aligned with the organisation’s standards.
• Drive stronger adoption of modern working practices including DevOps, Agile, CI CD and collaborative engineering.
• Modernise existing platforms and ensure the organisation is making best use of its technology stack.
• Manage key third‑party suppliers, ensuring value for money, strong delivery and alignment with internal standards.
• Ensure compliance with data security, regulatory obligations and internal governance requirements.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experience managing data engineering or application development teams in a complex environment.
• Strong understanding of data governance, architecture, analytics, and cloud data platforms.
• Familiarity with modern working practices such as DevOps, CI CD, Agile, and collaborative coding.
• Solid knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem and data toolset – Azure, SQL, Power Platform, LogicApps, PowerBI.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as C#, .NET, Python, and PowerShell.
• Experience working with Azure Data Factory for data integration and pipeline development.
• Strong vendor management experience, with the ability to oversee and challenge third‑party suppliers.
• Someone who enjoys shaping strategy and getting technically involved where necessary.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across the business and translate technical concepts clearly.

Why This Role:

• A genuine opportunity to define the organisation’s entire data and application strategy.
• Autonomy to put your stamp on architecture, processes and delivery approaches.
• Lead a growing team and build the engineering culture and standards you wish to see.
• Modernise an already strong Microsoft tech stack and help the organisation maximise its value.
• Work closely with the business to solve real operational challenges using data, automation and modern applications.

The salary is up to £73k with a comprehensive benefits package and hybrid working 3 days onsite in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. If this sounds like the right fit, please apply or reach out to Murray Simpson.