Software Engineering Manager

The Software Engineering Manager role is responsible for developing, implementing and managing Minster Law’s Application development strategy and to lead on the technical solution designs and architectural standards to support the business’s short- and long-term business plan objectives. The scope of the role includes service to support the entire business (as prioritised), has an essential perspective both inside and outside the organisation (including our business and supply chain partners) and has a strong eye on technology developments both current and expected in the future within and beyond our sector.

This role is accountable for designing and delivering high quality application solutions through direct line management of the internal development teams to achieve the businesses objectives, needs and requirements. In addition, it will include strong collaboration with both the Head of Digital Operations and Delivery Manager who together with the Software Engineering Manager, form the leadership team responsible for delivering a technology product and service environment which propels the business forward. This is a key role in the business and as such forms part of the Leadership community.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop a best-in-class application delivery capability with ambitious teams with the right skills to deliver the technology strategy.
• Responsible for the productivity and advancement of the development and testing teams, ensuring optimised performance and delivery from highly engaged, motivated team members.
• Technology coach to the wider Minster Law leadership team (and beyond as required) as we continue our journey to be a digitally competent business.
• Responsible for the design and execution of our technology ‘product’ design process from solution ideation to solution design, and solution implementation.
• Responsible for establishing and managing the IT Application Architecture for the business and the adoption of an architecture and standards methodology.
• Communicates the architecture to all internal stakeholders and collaborates and coordinates the adoption of IT standards and procedures.
• Assures solutions are not only fit for the specific purpose but are also built using reusable components, contribute to our medium-term architecture map and avoid point solutions.
• Ensure alignment with the recognised standards and guidelines of technology solutions.
• Assists the Delivery Manager, other change sponsors and all Multi-Disciplinary Teams on solutions delivery and timing of financial spend for application solutions.
• Directs and manages the identification, recommendation and delivery of appropriate solutions, upgrades, replacements, or decommissioning options incorporating business and technology productivity, usability, and total cost of ownership.
• Takes ownership of diagnosing, treating and resolving any live software and application incidents or issues raised through the service desk ticket notification processes.
• Provides analysis of security protection technologies as necessary.
• Ensures that software products are developed using a ‘Security by Design’ principle.
• In collaboration with the Head of Digital Operations and Delivery Manager ensure all appropriate security considerations are considered and applied to all applications, architecture and solution designs.
• Work closely with Head of Digital Operations and Delivery Manager to create a Digital ‘centre of excellence’ promoting collaboration, sharing of skills and development & mobility of talent.
• In collaboration with the Head of Digital Operations and Delivery Manager, support deployments and infrastructure changes to “environments” in a controlled, automated and auditable manner and align to DevOps processes and best practices.
• Leads the software delivery and testing teams, ensuring that the skills of team members remain aligned with the company digital roadmaps.
• Maintains oversite of development within multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring that deliverables meet quality standards.
• Ensures the delivery of high quality, well defined, maintainable software products.
• Manages the software testing function and all associated tools, procedures and approaches. Works with operating teams to ensure that UAT processes are effective.
• Manages the company’s legacy debt reduction strategy.
• Ensures that software development tooling remains relevant, secure, effective & maintainable.
• Support the Head of Digital Operations to manage relationships with key partners, performs technology due diligence when required.

Key Performance Indicators

Your KPIs and Objectives will be discussed and agreed upon with you on a one-to-one basis. In addition, you will have regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager to review your performance against these objectives and identify any areas for development and required support.

Person Profile

Essential Technical Skills

• Application development skills using .NET, C#.
• Strong understanding of front-end technologies such as JavaScript, Angular, React.
• Strong experience in designing cloud-native applications and architectures.
• Strong background in API design and integration patterns.
• Deep understanding of Azure cloud services and modern deployment practices.
• Strong knowledge of development management tooling and approaches, including code control, collaboration, and test automation.
• Comprehensive Microsoft stack knowledge.
• Extensive experience of management of deploying and supporting in-house developed applications.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrable experience in solution design and architecture (business and systems).
• A good understanding of Low Code technologies and the implementation within a business environment.
• Experience and understanding of cloud data architecture and solutions.

Additional Essential skills

• Keeps abreast of technology developments with a curiosity to identify new ways of working.
• Able to inspire business leaders and the wider colleague base on the use of current and future applications.
• Experience of leading IT Development teams and Test functions.
• Good interpersonal skills to be able to analyse situations against the bigger picture.
• Strong influencing skills, cross functional collaboration with a focus on knowledge sharing.
• Ability to convey technical solutions to a non-technical audience.
• Excellent Problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under indirect supervision.
• Broad understanding of information technology topics.
• Effective interpersonal skills and collaborative management style to include teamwork and team building ability.

Desirable Skills

• Understanding of practical applications of automation testing and relevant solutions.
• Exposure to / experience of using AI for operational efficiency, data-driven insights, and future capability building.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and time spent outside of comfort zone acquiring new skills.
• Flexible in a fast-paced dynamic environment with shifting roles and responsibilities.
• Technically creative and open-minded.
• Robust - able to deal with changing circumstances and challenging situations whilst still achieving objectives.
• Team Player and acts as a role model to your colleagues, working together to achieve business and team goals.
• Take opportunities to develop and stretch yourself and be passionate about developing your career at Minster Law.

Personal Development

There is the opportunity for high performing individuals to move into different departments across the business to expand their knowledge and experience and develop a career within Minster Law.

Travel

This role is based in our Wakefield office, occasional travel may be required.

Equal Opportunities

Minster Law is committed to equality and diversity and being a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone. We’re an equal opportunity and disability confident employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, neurodiversity, or disability status. You can read more about our commitment to equality and diversity on the Minster Law website.

The Recruitment Team at Minster Law would like to thank you for applying for Employment with us. Due to the high volume of applications, please note if you have not heard back from us in 10 working days, you have not been successful on this occasion. Please continue to follow us on LinkedIn for more opportunities.