At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead application deployment and support critical systems for Northern.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Northern, keeping the North moving.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a welcoming team that values diversity and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on systems that matter to thousands daily.
- Qualifications: Strong experience with Microsoft, Citrix, and Azure; degree in IT preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
JOB ROLE: Senior IT Applications Specialist - 12 Month FTC
SALARY: Salary up to £60,000
ROLE TYPE: 12 Month FTC
HOURS: 37 Hours
LOCATION: Manchester
If you know your Citrix from your VMware Horizon, can handle enterprise applications in Azure without breaking a sweat, and don’t mind being the person everyone rings when things go sideways, Northern wants to hear from you. We’re after a Senior IS Applications Specialist to take the technical lead within our IS Systems Team. This is a proper hands-on senior role where you’ll be leading application deployment, supporting business-critical systems, and helping shape the future of Northern’s application strategy.
You’ll work across teams, suppliers, and projects to keep systems running smoothly and make sure our applications are fit for purpose, secure, and delivering for the business. One minute you’ll be sorting a high-level support issue, next you’ll be leading a major application rollout worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading application deployment and delivery across the business
- Designing and developing application solutions that support operational needs
- Acting as the senior escalation point for application support
- Working closely with IS teams, suppliers, and stakeholders across the business
- Supporting application architecture, licensing, and asset management strategy
- Driving improvements in performance, reliability, and system availability
- Helping maintain Northern’s ambitious 99.99% application availability target
- Taking part in the on-call rota
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience with Microsoft technologies, Citrix, and VMware Horizon
- Experience managing enterprise applications within Azure
- Proven background delivering large-scale application change and development
- Experience working in a lean IT environment
- Degree qualified in IT or a related discipline
- Certifications such as MCSE, CCEE, and ITIL Foundation are highly desirable
You’ll need to be technically sharp, calm under pressure, and able to build solid working relationships across the business. This role suits someone who enjoys solving complex problems, improving systems, and getting things done properly first time.
In return, you’ll be joining a business that keeps the North moving, working on critical systems that genuinely matter to thousands of people every single day. If you’re ready to take the lead and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
Senior IT Applications Specialist - 12 Month FTC in Manchester employer: Northern Trains Limited
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where your contributions truly matter. With generous benefits like unlimited free travel, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we foster a culture of growth and recognition, ensuring that our employees feel valued and supported. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that champions diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IT Applications Specialist - 12 Month FTC in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who work at Northern or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of Microsoft technologies, Citrix, and Azure. We want you to be ready to showcase your expertise and how you can tackle real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Northern.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Applications Specialist - 12 Month FTC in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with Microsoft technologies, Citrix, and VMware Horizon. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your background in managing enterprise applications within Azure makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trains Limited
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft technologies, Citrix, and VMware Horizon. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed enterprise applications in Azure, as this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you led application deployments or resolved high-level support issues, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior IT Applications Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and projects. Share examples of how you've driven improvements in performance and reliability in previous roles, highlighting your impact on the business.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about Northern's application strategy or their approach to system availability. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
