At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the data strategy and modernise processes to drive innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Innovative organisation on a digital transformation journey with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £73k, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data and applications while solving real-world challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing data teams, strong understanding of cloud platforms, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a growing team and influence technology strategy.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 102000 £ per year.
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 is 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 will guide a small but expanding team, work closely with third-party suppliers, and take a hands-on approach where needed to accelerate delivery.
The Company: 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.
Technology Environment: 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.
The Role: As Data & Applications Manager, you will play a central role in building a coherent, scalable and modern data and application landscape. You will 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 Offer: 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.
Data And Applications Manager in Edinburgh employer: Cathcart Associates Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Cathcart Associates Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data And Applications Manager in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your expertise in data strategy and application development. This not only demonstrates your capabilities but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s tech stack and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience with Microsoft tools and modern practices aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Data And Applications Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with data strategy and application development. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we’re all about the Microsoft ecosystem, be sure to mention your familiarity with tools like Azure, SQL, and PowerBI. If you’ve got experience with programming languages like C# or Python, let us know – it’ll definitely catch our eye!
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: This role is about guiding a team, so share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can prioritise workloads and drive results, so any leadership stories will be a big plus!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cathcart Associates Group Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the Microsoft data toolset mentioned in the job description, like SQL Server, Azure Data Factory, and PowerBI. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles and how they can be leveraged to modernise processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your experience managing teams and driving transformation. Think about specific instances where you’ve prioritised workloads or guided a team through complex challenges, as this role requires both leadership and hands-on involvement.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the organisation's current digital transformation journey and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Be prepared to discuss how you would break down silos and create seamless data flows across platforms.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to build relationships across the business. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've translated complex ideas for non-technical stakeholders in the past.