EMEA IT Applications Senior Manager

Job Description

Practice Group / Department: IT Regional - Project & Program Management Job Description Were Norton Rose Fulbright - a global law firm with over 50 offices and 7,000 employees worldwide. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. As well as the relevant skills and experience, werelooking for people who are innovative, commercial and value the work that they do. To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of belonging, and realizetheir full career potential. We value difference and actively promote a culture of respect for each individual, encouraging and creating inclusion. Our new hybrid working model allows our people to have more flexibility in the way they choose to work fromboth the office and a remote location, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service. We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies and provide access to programmes and services aimed at nurturing our people’s healthand overall wellbeing. The RoleReporting to the Head of Change EMEA, this role is to lead the Business Enablement Function that is comprised of Product Management, Application Maintenance & Support, Integration/Development/Automation & Data and Testing functions across the UK, Europe,Middle East and Asia.NRF has a large and complex suite of core applications used by lawyers and business services practitioners across EMEA. The primary purpose of the role is to lead NRF’s Business Enablement function which in turn is responsible for both the support of existingand introduction of new applications across the Firm.Whilst a broad technical understanding is required, this is very much a forward-looking role and the selected candidate will have the opportunity to influence the business to gain the most from the latest applications, development methods and technologieson the market.The Business Enablement function sits alongside the Project Office, Project/Programme delivery and Training functions. Collectively these units are responsible for overseeing the identification and delivery of new technologies (applications and infrastructure),ultimately resulting in obtaining the expected end-user benefits.The Senior Manager Applications will have direct responsibility for the following teams:Application Maintenance &Support:

• Includes 2nd and 3rd line support for proprietary and bespoke applications as well as the numerous interfaces that exist across our systems stack.

Integration/Development/Automation and Data:

• Integration/Development - Includes the integration of applications across the EMEA estate (Global and Regional) and the upkeep of legacy homegrown applications.
• Automation – Currently includes Automation Anywhere but will also be looking to embed Microsoft Power Apps through the creation and implementation of appropriate frameworks.
• Data – Includes a large SQL Estate which will be migrated to Azure with opportunities to modernise the architecture once transitioned into the cloud.

Product Management:

• The Product Management discipline focuses on core applications and the business use/lifecycle management of the core legal products.

Testing

• The testing team is responsible for providing business and technical assurance across a wide area of disciplines. Modernisation through automation will be a key area of focus soon. Areas of responsibility include:
  • Backend and Desktop Applications
  • Integrations, Network and other IT Operations impact testing
  • Facilities (Office moves etc,)

NRF is already a leader in the legal sector and this role will be a significant contributor to cementing us as ‘the smart law firm’.Key Responsibilities

• The development and line management for a team of 4 direct reports, c15 in-direct reports plus 3rd party suppliers.
• Maintenance and Support of the firm’s core applications catalogue which comprises several products including the iManage document management system, CRM and multiple applications which support individual business functions.
• Develop and support cross-systems integrations.
• Define a systems development strategy which facilitates timely reaction to business needs through the exploitation of 3rd party packaged software and the Microsoft development toolset.
• Identify the right development stack for the firm, this is likely to include Power Apps, RPA, and Business Intelligence toolsets alongside more established coding solutions. Emphasis should be on low-code/no-code or package/SaaS solutions.
• Oversee several bespoke software solutions. Actively managing the product lifecycle and putting in place strategies to maintain or replace these systems over time.
• Integration of 2nd & 3rd line support processes with the IT Service Delivery and Problem Management functions.
• Oversee the internal testing lead and 3rd party suppliers to create an effective and risk-based testing function for all IT Services deliverables.
• Work with the EMEA Architecture team to identify the appropriate adaptive governance framework to support future ways of working and identify opportunities to embed and develop the Architectural application strategy/roadmap.
• Building relationships with key software vendors, understanding the product roadmaps and making recommendations for how the firm should progress.
• Build strong relationships with key senior stakeholders within the business. Become the trusted advisor for all application-related matters across the business.
• Manage the application budget for EMEA, working closely with Procurement partners and business/project/product/application owners ensuring that the budget considers licencing requirements whilst keeping control of costs.

Skills and Experience Required

Demonstrable experience in managing complex applications from cradle to grave.

Expert knowledge of ITIL Service Catalogue management with a sound understanding of Service Design, transition and operation disciplines.

A good understanding of waterfall and agile development methods.

Exceptional stakeholder management skills, preferably gained in the professional services sector.

Budgetary control.

An expert understanding of problem management and application troubleshooting techniques.

Previous experience in managing technical teams of 6 or more people will be essential.A demonstrable ability to develop a technology function thr