Job title: Applications Manager

Responsible to: Head of IT Service Delivery

Principal working contacts

Director of IT & Digital Transformation Head of IT Service Delivery

IT Service Operations Manager

IT Customer Service & Transition Manager

IT Service Operations Team

Other key IT Teams and contacts (Security & Compliance Team, Development Team, and Project Managers)

Job purpose

The Applications Manager will lead and manage a development team, responsible for the delivery of technical solutions, in support of IT services and Digital Transformation at the Care Inspectorate.

The Applications Manager is an operational management role leading a team to deliver the planning, software development, integrations, implementation, release and on-going support of business applications, with a support model that ensures the delivery of service standards to agreed service levels and leading the development of digital standards through continual service improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the team responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining all business applications at the Care Inspectorate, overseeing analysis, planning, testing, and documentation.
• Lead a team ensuring the continuity, integrity and availability of all business apps.
• Manage the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of digital apps usage.
• Coordinate knowledge management processes to support the sharing of relevant app service information effectively.
• Assist the Enterprise Architect in developing system architectures aligned with design principles.
• Collaborate with the IT Customer Service and Operations Managers to ensure smooth release, transition, and management of digital apps.
• Partner with the IT Service Operations Manager to efficiently manage infrastructure and utility costs related to digital apps delivery.
• Work with Customer Service Manager to integrate app support service with the wider Service Desk team.
• Support procurement activities necessary for maintaining continuity and development of business applications.
• Support project delivery, resource management, and environment management processes as part of the IT management team, while ensuring regular reporting on achievements and plans.
• Deputise for the Head of IT Service Delivery as necessary.

Relationship management

• Support the Head of IT Service Delivery to maintain healthy and effective relationships with senior stakeholders, business service owners and staff at all levels, to ensure a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Maintain an effective app support and development team ensuring that performance management, professional development and employee engagement are key areas of focus.
• Maintain and develop a healthy team dynamic, encouraging skills and knowledge sharing, ensuring a consistency of standards and service
• Promote the principles of partnership working throughout the organisation and in all working practices in accordance with the Care Inspectorate's Partnership Agreement.
• Be proactive in raising public awareness in the work of the Care Inspectorate.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Care Inspectorate’s aims, vision and values and to the Care Inspectorate’s overall objective of improving care in Scotland.

People management

• Lead and manage a team, ensuring that they work effectively to meet the aims, objectives and targets of Care Inspectorate.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to team members through regular one-to-one supervision, performance development reviews and personal development plans to ensure continuous improvement in their work, supporting their personal and professional development.
• Coordinate and monitor administrative support to the team
• Promote consistent, high-quality practice amongst team members, manage their performance and monitor their standards and behaviour.
• Promote the health, safety and welfare of staff in accordance with Care Inspectorate policies, procedures and guidance.
• Promote diversity and equality of opportunity, ensuring that these principles are upheld across all areas of work.

Other duties

This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.