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- Tasks: Lead the development of API standards and enhance developer experience across teams.
- Company: Major financial services organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of API standards and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in API development and leadership in technical initiatives.
- Other info: Join a newly forming team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced API Standards Lead to join a major financial services organisation as part of a newly forming Standards & Controls team within the wider CTO function. This is a high-impact contract role where you'll shape, own and evolve API standards used across the organisation, working closely with engineering teams, product leaders and senior stakeholders to ensure controls are effective, usable and genuinely improve developer experience.
About the Project: The Standards and Controls team is a new capability focused on improving how development teams understand, consume and comply with Technology controls. API standards are a new and critical set of requirements for all teams exposing APIs externally.
In this role, you'll:
- Refine and own the organisation's API standards
- Engage with a large and varied customer base to understand real-world challenges
- Work alongside engineering teams to integrate, evolve and streamline tooling into a coherent, user-centred journey
The goal: standards that are robust, pragmatic, and genuinely work for teams, not just controls for the sake of compliance.
Key Priorities (What We're Looking For)
- Strong understanding of defining, setting and designing standards and controls
- A mindset focused on doing what's right for the bank, not just the quickest or easiest solution
- Deep technical knowledge, particularly around APIs and API development
- Proven ability to lead, influence and guide teams
- Experience coordinating multiple workstreams and defining a clear, coherent strategy
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience developing APIs or working in API-focused teams
- Knowledge of inventory and asset management
- Product ownership experience
Your Responsibilities
As a senior member of the Standards and Controls leadership team, you'll work closely with the Head of Standards and Controls. You will:
- Act as a proactive, collaborative and inquisitive leader within the team
- Own, refine and enhance API standards in collaboration with key stakeholders
- Lead and facilitate product planning and prioritisation aligned to a long-term vision
- Align tooling and standards into a clear, consistent customer journey
- Define and communicate product roadmaps to internal customers
- Run and facilitate customer forums focused on API standards
- Ensure customer needs are central to all new work and transitions
- Champion the use of data and metrics to understand adoption, behaviour and pain points
Skills & Experience We Require
- Experience leading development teams or technical initiatives
- Product ownership, product planning and roadmap delivery experience
- Experience working in control-led or regulated technology environments
- Background working within large, global organisations and distributed teams
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas, concerns and trade-offs
- Proven ability to build effective networks and collaborate across teams and disciplines
Location & Contract Details
Location: Sheffield
Working Pattern: Hybrid 2 days per week onsite
Contract Type: Inside IR35
Locations
API Standards Lead in Sheffield, Yorkshire employer: Vanloq Limited
Contact Detail:
Vanloq Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land API Standards Lead in Sheffield, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that API Standards Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to API standards and controls. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable articulating your experience and ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you discuss API development and standards. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also gives potential employers a glimpse of your thought process and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace API Standards Lead in Sheffield, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with API standards and controls. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires a strong understanding of APIs, make sure to include any hands-on experience you have in API development or working within API-focused teams. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess!
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this position. When writing your application, be clear and concise. We want to understand your ideas and how you can articulate complex concepts, especially around standards and controls.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanloq Limited
✨Know Your APIs Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of API standards and development. Brush up on the latest trends and best practices in API design, as well as any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. This will help you speak confidently about how you can shape and evolve the organisation's API standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence teams. Think about times when you've coordinated multiple workstreams or facilitated product planning. Be ready to discuss how you can align tooling and standards into a coherent customer journey, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Customer Perspective
Since the role involves engaging with a varied customer base, be prepared to discuss how you would gather and incorporate customer feedback into API standards. Highlight any experience you have running customer forums or working closely with stakeholders to ensure their needs are met.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your ideas clearly, especially around complex topics like controls and compliance. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and how you would communicate product roadmaps to internal customers, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
