At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IS applications management and oversee SAP performance in a dynamic energy environment.
- Company: Join Spirit Energy, a key player in the UK's energy infrastructure since 1985.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive day rate, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a collaborative and innovative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy supply while developing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in IS applications management and strong understanding of SAP required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
In operation since 1985, Barrow Gas Terminal is a key piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure and supports the Morecambe Bay gas fields. The terminal has played a long-standing role in processing and delivering natural gas, supporting both local employment and national energy supply.
With a focus on safety, environmental sustainability and community engagement, we believe in operational excellence at every stage of production. If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a dynamic and energetic team, then we are keen to hear from you.
The Information Systems (IS) Applications Lead is responsible for the overall delivery and performance of a broad internally and externally provisioned applications estate, with SAP at its core. The role is responsible for technical and commercial oversight, governance, assurance and outsourced service management and is expected to be hands-on with the day-to-day direction of outsourced resources and decision making relating to key run and change activity.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Duration: 2-year contract
Contract Type: PAYE
Day Rate: TBC; For your application to be progressed, please ensure you provide a PAYE day rate banding expectation. Please note that there is no travel and accommodation allowance provided. Please only apply if you have existing right to work in the UK. Please outline notice period/availability to start.
Spirit Energy currently have a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement for all office-based workers. 4 days must be worked in the office with compulsory days being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The fourth day worked in-office (either Monday or Friday) is of the worker’s choosing but should be in keeping with what is most efficient and effective for their team. The office is open 5 days a week for full time, in-office working if this is the contractor’s preference.
In role, you will be required to:
- Maintain (cross-discipline) IS applications processes, procedures and work instructions (and drive compliance)
- Determine / maintain fit-for-purpose scalable and resilient integrated applications architecture, ensuring reliability, security, integrity and performance of the estate
- Act as applications focal point for (cross-discipline) IS / IT / Cyber / Deloitte audits and external reviews
- Manage all third party application vendors, relationships and commercial agreements
- Classify, assess and assure third party / cloud / SaaS application services
- Execute application-related control assurance attestations
- Undertake contract renewals / tenders in collaboration with Head of IS and the Supply Chain function
- Maintain secure password management (rotation, vault storage etc.)
- Manage Source-to-Pay processes for IS applications (in collaboration with team, business owners, Supply Chain and Finance)
- Project Manage / Deliver application projects (upgrades, changes, replacements, implementations etc.), drawing on outsourced support
- Co-ordinate Test / UAT cycles
- Collaborate with the Head of IS and the IT Lead to evolve cyber control framework of Manage, Protect, Detect and Respond capability / controls, with ongoing maturity assessments
- Conduct security due diligence assessments on any new / changed IS services impacting the business
- Conduct Cyber Incident Response testing in collaboration with team
- Support cyber incident response / investigations
- Oversee service provisioning and hosting of internal LoB apps and associated integrations
- Oversee service provisioning and hosting of external / SaaS LoB apps and associated integrations
- Manage licensing, consumption and renewals for all applications
- Manage apps lifecycle (scope, source, design, build, test, commission, host, run, maintain, upgrade, retire, archive)
- Handle apps change / upgrade / release management
- Maintain apps (including SAP) build / support documentation (including Service Catalogue), drawing on outsourced providers
- Provide Master Data Management
- Handle major incident response (Apps, including SAP)
- Manage outsourced Apps support contract performance / resources, directing and supervising as required
- Act as the "glue" to connect external vendors and handle escalations related to integration / interfaces
SAP-Specific:
- Oversee SAP landscape and associated integration - architecture, performance & security
- Oversee SAP hosting and core technical support and maintenance (external SAP RISE and internal SAP BW / PO on Azure) and associated interfaces
- Maintain and ensure operation of SAP-specific controls aligning to shareholder requirements, drawing on outsourced support
- Co-ordinate scoping / shaping / design of change activity between business and external service provider
- Handle SAP change / upgrade / release management, acting as Gate Keeper / Design Authority
- Manage outsourced SAP support contract performance / resources, directing and supervising as required
- Collaborate with Head of IS and Centrica over shared SAP journey (specific contract renewal needed in 2027)
To be successful in this role, we are looking for:
- Strong overall understanding of IS applications management in a technical multi-site organisation
- Appreciation of infrastructure, networks and end user computing
- Good understanding of MS365, Azure and PowerApps / PowerBI
- Good understanding of core SAP principles around change and release management
- Ability to develop and maintain procedural, technical and architectural documentation and maintain a Service Catalogue
- Knowledge of software licensing models and consumption analysis
- Commercial skills to manage scope, specification and cost relating to applications
- Ability to interface with audit teams, acting as the bridge between outsourced delivery teams and auditors
- Deep and disciplined understanding of IT General Controls, specifically including those relating to SAP
- Solid understanding of key processes including incident, problem and change management as well as business analysis and PMO processes for project delivery.
- Effective contract management skills, with the ability to manage outsourced service providers and to connect vendors and navigate interfaces
- Ability to co-ordinate (and in some cases execute) application testing
- Strong appreciation for cyber security and the Cyber Assessment Framework, covering Managing Security Risk, Protecting against Cyber Attacks, Detecting Cyber Security Incidents and Minimising Impact of Security Incidents.
- Ability to handle escalations, lead on significant incident response and manage outsourced resources as required
- Bachelor's Degree in an IT / business discipline (or equivalent experience)
In addition to technical knowledge and credibility, we are looking for someone who lives our values - Agility, Collaboration, Courage, Care, and Delivery. A person who embraces and supports change, while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a mature asset.
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE by hitting the 'Apply' button.
IS Apps Lead employer: Spirit Energy
At Spirit Energy, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, particularly for the role of Electrical Technician at Barrow Gas Terminal. Our commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and community engagement creates a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive and grow. With a focus on career development and a strong sense of community, we ensure that every team member's ideas are valued, making this an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IS Apps Lead
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Spirit Energy values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Spirit Energy might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Spirit Energy!
✨Direct Apply to Spirit Energy
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Spirit Energy website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IS Apps Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Spirit Energy.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Spirit Energy. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirit Energy
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
