Development Manager in Manchester

The Development Manager will oversee a number of application developers, analysts, Subject Matter experts and Quality Assurance individuals of varying seniority for CNA Hardy. The role will own the application development for a number of assigned CNA Hardy applications. This includes understanding and development of roadmaps, maintenance, support and change for the assigned applications. This role will manage the team to deliver ongoing development changes to the applications, working in an agile manner to deploy on 2‑week sprint cycles. The role works very closely with the Business Relationship Directors to identify and manage the change pipeline, and to define the priorities with the BRDs and the business stakeholders.

Functions Provided By The Team:

• Development changes for business systems and related activities including installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Technical expertise for bespoke and off‑the‑shelf applications used at CNA Hardy.
• Own the architectural roadmaps for assigned systems.
• Coordinate activities related to Application changes.
• Direct line management of the team of resources working on the systems – generally 8‑12 FTE.
• Roadmap for technical application upgrades and re‑platforming.
• Contribute to SOX, Audit and Internal Controls as required.
• Continuous Service Improvement Planning.
• Manage tasks to demanding deadlines in a fast‑moving environment.
• Manage onboarding of Applications ensuring process and documentation are present.
• Manage application documentation to ensure that it is effective and resilient.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage team of support professionals and third‑party contractors where applicable to develop and implement changes to a number of assigned systems.
• Implement and manage the agile methodology for CNA Hardy for application development.
• Monitor the provision of resources for internal and externally supported systems.
• Evolve the Application Development Function as demands change over time.
• Lead application strategy for assigned applications.
• Technology re‑platform and technical upgrades.
• Leverage global resources for local benefit.
• Support the implementation of project applications and infrastructure into production and testing environments in collaboration with technical personnel to identify and resolve issues and provide technical support.
• Provide peer review and approval for changes into the UAT and production environments.
• Analyze user trends, issues and requests related to business applications and make appropriate recommendations as part of service improvement plans.
• Prioritise workload with the Business Relationship Directors and business stakeholders, and communicate effectively with customers to manage their expectations and provide clear status updates.
• Work with teams across IT and Operations to plan implementations of new releases and development changes, and ensure a smooth handover to production.
• Ensure that all changes to CNA’s production systems are controlled and that the impact of the changes has been fully assessed and understood prior to implementation.
• Comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and ensure, at a level appropriate to the position, that appropriate measures are in place to ensure this compliance.
• Implement a continuous improvement approach to service delivery.
• May perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience managing development teams in an agile manner, including direct line management.
• Broad knowledge of the system development life cycle, and system and application program development alternatives.
• Strong business awareness and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with vendors, clients, peers, and CNA leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required to interact effectively with clients, systems staff, consultants, and vendors.
• Knowledge and experience of working within service delivery focused IT Department employing ITIL best practices and strong change management methods.
• Attention to detail, ability to function independently and ability to prioritise work.
• Analytical and structured approach with strong customer focus and relationship management experience.
• Working knowledge of core Microsoft technology SQL Server; .ASP.NET; .NET 3.5; and web services.
• Strong experience of team management.
• Experience of working with off‑shore service providers.
• Excellent analysis and troubleshooting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of ITIL Service Management methodology.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a relevant field.
• Experience with financial services systems.
• Experience working within a matrix organisation.

The Company:

CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We offer a highly specialised and comprehensive portfolio of innovative and market leading products. Coverage is available to businesses of all sizes for domestic, international and global exposures.