About the role
We are looking for an experienced leader to join our Corporate Applications Team to lead the IT Delivery for the Digital Customer Strategy Programme. The role will work on behalf of the IT Owner, reporting into Head of Corporate Applications. The role will engage across the DCS Programme for all IT deliverables, align with IT Service Design activity, establish and embed a BAU run model and service for the longer term. The successful candidate will have strong demonstrable experience of building relationships with, engaging and influencing senior leaders at all levels on a day-to-day basis as well as in forums such as Steering Groups.
The DCS Programme will deliver 2 key components: Secure Email to enable our GI Customers to choose to receive the majority of their policy and billing documents in paperless format, and a Customer Portal providing a single location for customers to access all their product holdings with a differentiated and personalised digital experience.
This role will require the need to work closely with a 3rd Party technology partner who will be building the Customer Portal, alongside NFUM internal teams whose services and data the portal will consume and feed. The future IT delivery and support model for the Customer portal and DCS will need defining, agreeing, and delivered to form a robust BAU service capable of meeting the NFU Mutual ongoing digital strategy.
You will also:
- Own the overall IT delivery (including 3rd parties) and be the point for escalation on behalf of the IT Owner.
- Establish, manage, and maintain strong relationships with Programme and IT stakeholders, internal IT work-stream delivery teams and 3rd party providers.
- Identify and manage IT Issues and risks associated with the project in line with NFU Mutual Risk Policy and IT Delivery Processes, keeping them visible and resolving or mitigating as far as possible – escalate to the IT Owner if required.
- Manage any IT 3rd Party Suppliers / Partners to agreed SLAs and contract.
- Work closely with Project and Programme managers to plan, track and report across all IT deliverables in line with IT best practice, Delivery Governance and Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) Framework to ensure that stakeholders, dependencies, cost, quality, and time are managed within agreed parameters. Agree clear IT deliverables with the Project Manager.
- Provide performance feedback and identify development needs to Line Managers as appropriate for IT individuals on the Project team.
- Lead, manage, motivate, and develop IT project team so that they know what is expected, can maximise their contribution to business objectives and realise their potential.
- Establish BAU forums, processes, and solution road maps to support a robust ongoing BAU process that supports a robust iterative delivery mechanism to support ongoing strategic delivery of our Customer portal.
What we're looking for
- Strong experience of leading agile and iterative technology delivery.
- Strong and adaptable communication skills across a range of different stakeholders, and strong motivational skills.
- Demonstrates a strong aptitude for problem solving and the ability to negotiate to a resolution.
- Excellent communication skills, commercial acumen, and ability to think at an operational and strategic level.
- Experience of engaging and working with all functions of Group IT and the SSDLC.
- Appetite to deliver new ways of working /technologies.
- A track record that demonstrates an ability to adapt your approach in resolving problems and where necessary, challenge existing processes and methods to achieve a successful outcome.
- Strong leadership experience of self-managed and motivated teams, working at a fast pace, and the ability to shift focus and emphasis at short notice.
- Experience of leading an IT function and delivering new solutions.
- Experience of delivering solutions with 3rd party delivery teams and establishing a support service.
- Experience of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Working knowledge and an understanding of the full Software Development Lifecycle. With experience of leading Agile or other iterative based software development lifecycles (desirable).
- A good understanding of Customer Portal solutions and technology.
- Experience of the Project Management framework and methodologies with a working knowledge of DevOps processes and practises within the Agile Framework.
- Operational knowledge and experience of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Service Management.
- Experience of managing risk and issues with effective mitigating plans.
- Experience in a Financial Services environment (desirable).
- A minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent, at grade C or above, to include Maths and English is required.
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Service Management Foundation (desirable).
- Prince 2 Foundation (desirable).
Further Information
This is a Level 5 position which includes an annual bonus of up to 25%, private medical insurance cover and 28 days holiday.
The hiring manager is Mark Loman.
The recruiter looking after this vacancy is David King.
Senior IT Work Stream Lead employer: NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual is an excellent employer that values collaboration and innovation, offering a hybrid work model that allows for 80% homeworking. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, team members are encouraged to grow their skills in data analysis and coding while making a real impact on customer outcomes. The Stratford-upon-Avon office provides a vibrant environment where employees can connect with colleagues across various departments, enhancing both professional and personal growth.
