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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 60000 - 84000 £ 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
API Standards Lead in Sheffield 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to API standards. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you discuss API standards and share insights. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace API Standards Lead in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the API Standards Lead role. Highlight your experience with API standards and controls, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: We want to see your deep technical understanding of APIs and API development. Include specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in this area to demonstrate your expertise.
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this role. When writing your application, be clear and concise. Articulate your ideas and experiences in a way that shows us you can effectively collaborate across teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 enhance 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.
✨Engage with Real-World Challenges
Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced by development teams regarding API compliance and usability. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the standards you develop genuinely improve the developer experience.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly, especially around trade-offs and concerns related to API standards. Consider how you can convey complex technical concepts in a way that resonates with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
