IT Development Manager
Salary - Competitive
Location - London
Function / Area: IT & Operations
Reporting to: IT Development Director
Position Summary
The IT Development Manager will oversee a number of applications developers, analysts, Subject Matter experts & Quality Assurance individuals of varying seniority for CNA Hardy. The role will own the application development for a number of assigned CNA Hardy applications. This includes understanding and development of roadmaps, maintenance, support and change for the assigned applications.
This role will manage the team to deliver ongoing development changes to the applications, working in an agile manner to deploy on 2 week sprint cycles. The role works very closely with the Business Relationship Directors to identify and manage the change pipeline, and to define the priorities with the BRD’s and the business stakeholders.
Functions provided by the team include:
- Development changes for business systems and related activities including installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Technical expertise for bespoke and off the shelf applications used at CNA Hardy.
- Own the architectural roadmaps for assigned systems,
- Coordinate activities related to Application changes
- Direct line management of the team of resources working on the systems – generally 8-12 FTE
- Roadmap for technical application upgrades and re-platforming
- Contribute to SOX, Audit and Internal Controls as required.
- Continuous Service Improvement Planning.
- Manage tasks to demanding deadlines in a fast moving environment.
- Manage on-boarding of Applications ensuring process and documentation are present.
- Manage application documentation to ensure that it is effective and resilient.
Key Responsibilities
- Manages team of support professionals and third party contractors where applicable to develop and implement changes to a number or assigned systems.
- Implement and manage the agile methodology for CNA Hardy for application development
- Monitor the provision of resources for internal and externally supported systems.
- Evolves the Application Development Function as demands change over time.
- Lead application strategy for assigned applications. Technology Re-Platform and Technical Upgrades.
- Leverage Global resources for local benefit.
- Supports the implementation of project applications and infrastructure into production and testing environments in collaboration with technical personnel to identify and resolve issues and provide technical support.
- Provide peer review and approval for Changes into the UAT and production environments
- Analyses user trends, issues and requests related to Business Applications and makes appropriate recommendations as part of service improvement plans.
- Prioritise workload with the BRDs and business stakeholders, and communicate effectively with customers to manage their expectations and provide clear status updates.
- Work with teams across IT and Operations to plan implementations of new releases and development changes, and ensure a smooth handover to production.
- Ensure that all changes to CNA’s production systems are controlled, and ensure that the impact of the changes has been fully assessed and understood prior to implementation.
- Comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and ensure, at a level appropriate to the position, that appropriate measures are in place to ensure this compliance
- To implement a continuous improvement approach to service delivery
- Comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and ensure, at a level appropriate to the position, that appropriate measures are in place to ensure this compliance
- May perform additional duties as assigned
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Requires experience of managing development teams in an agile manner, including direct line management experience
- Requires a broad knowledge of the system development life cycle, and system and application program development alternatives
- Strong business awareness and influencing skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with vendors, clients, peers, and CNA leadership.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills required to interact effectively with clients, systems staff, consultants, and vendors.
- Knowledge and experience of working within service delivery focused IT Department employing ITIL best practices and strong change management methods.
- Attention to detail, ability to function independently and ability to prioritise work
- Analytical and structured approach with Strong customer focus and Relationship management experience
- Working knowledge of core Microsoft technology SQL Server; .ASP.NET; .Net 3.5; and web services.
- Strong experience of team management
- Experience of working with off-shore service providers
- Excellent analysis and trouble-shooter.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Thorough knowledge of ITIL Service Management methodology
- At least 5 years’ experience in a relevant field
- Experience of Financial services systems
- Experience of working within a Matrix organisation
Additional Information
Company Overview
CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We are part of CNA Financial Corp, the 8th largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance company. Established in 1897, CNA has approximately 7,000 employees, serving businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada and Europe. We offer a wide range of products and services, providing a superior suite of insurance solutions that any organisation conducting business requires.
