Position Summary

We are seeking to hire a Development Manager to be based out of our London office.

The role 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 CNAH.
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

The Company

CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We offer a highly specialised and comprehensive portfolio of innovative and market leading products. Coverage is available to businesses of all sizes for domestic, international and global exposures.

Improvement Planning jobs

Development Manager