Applications Analyst

Join to apply for the Applications Analyst role at West Midlands Police Job Description The IT & Digital department is responsible for the force’s adoption and use of information and digital technology. The department consists of three core functions: Architecture Management (responsible for identifying and selecting the right technologies for the force), Delivery Management (responsible for delivering and implementing the right technologies for the force), and Service Management (responsible for managing and maintaining all live, operational technology for the force). The Delivery Management function is responsible for the implementation/delivery of all new and enhanced Information Technology or Digital Technology solutions in line with Force requirements, ensuring that, for all Force Programmes and Projects, WMP delivers fit‑for‑purpose technology at an appropriate cost, within agreed timescales, with an acceptable level of risk. Reporting to the Continuous Improvement Team manager, CI Application Analysts will primarily be responsible for developing and upgrading existing force applications. The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the low‑level design and development of IT solutions and providing technical guidance, as well as managing the technical implementations and bespoke solutions. Key Responsibilities Provide specialist technical skills and knowledge that facilitate the provision, configuration and support of force applications; Manage the security, availability, capability, and performance of the Force’s applications; Coordinate ITIL processes (e.g. change and release management) across various technical teams within the Operations and Technology unit; Take ownership of major changes, and major releases; Assist with the application development for new IT solutions including the provision and configuration of development, test & production environments in line with low‑level designs and force requirements; Provide specialist knowledge in a variety of Force applications; Monitor and manage the performance of third‑party suppliers; Liaise with users throughout the force to ensure their application requirements are being met; Ensure the currency of force applications; Attend user groups to ensure ICT is informed of issues, requirements and future developments of applications; Assist with the monitoring and management of the performance of third‑party suppliers relating to an application upgrade and/or new technical delivery; Champion good ideas to management; Provide advice and guidance on administrative and technical procedures; Provide advice and gain the support of other people in order to contribute to the delivery of services; Plan and manage assigned project work including the supervision of contractors where required; Provide timely and accurate management information; Actively participate in meetings, chairing where appropriate; Ensure compliance with force policy; Plan and organise activities to meet objectives and ensure that deadlines/customer expectations are met; Work in partnership with outside organisations; Have regular contact with various people within the Force and externally in order to achieve desirable outcomes; Monitor financials, identifying major discrepancies and determining appropriate resolutions; Provide advice on pricing and the purchasing of software following liaison with appropriate suppliers; Negotiate with suppliers and contractors in order to achieve desirable outcomes; Control and manage technical resources; Make recommendations about the use of technology within the team; Ensure technology is maintained, serviced, and repaired as required; Resolve complex problems and issues within the team – liaising with different departments or third‑party suppliers where necessary; Assess and recommend software products; Promote the Force’s diversity agenda; Provide and disseminate specialist/technical advice on issues relating to the department, interpreting or assessing customer needs and exercising judgement to make decisions when solutions are not obvious. Essential Skills Support force applications and other software solutions; Directly communicate with customers at a variety of levels using written and oral methods; Co‑ordinate Delivery activities across a wide range of technical teams; Deliver new software solutions and upgrades in a range of technologies and application types; Create and maintain technical documentation to high standards; Understand business and user requirements; Maintain standards for security of information; Promote equality, diversity and Human Rights in working practices; Participate in meetings, and provide weekly status updates to CI Team Manager; Plan and organise work with short and long term time frames; Plan and progress work within general guidelines, using initiative and judgement without recourse to senior members of staff. Desirable Skills Extensive knowledge of force applications and industry standard technologies (Oracle, SQL, Scripting, MS 365); Knowledge of national standards and legislation relevant to force applications; Understanding of ITIL and change management processes; Knowledge of Health and Safety issues relevant to the post; Knowledge of internal financial processes; Comprehensive skills in the enhancement & development of application technology; Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently interact and empathise with all levels of staff; Good presentation skills; Flexibility to use a variety of supporting technologies and to be innovative; The ability to work under pressure and be capable of balancing competing demands and priorities; Proven track record in understanding the need of users; Good communication skills in order to work effectively throughout the organisation and with external contractors and suppliers; An understanding of the ITIL processes as they apply to the team and to the department as a whole; Ability to produce management reports, policy documents and comprehensive working papers including recommendations and implementation of documents; Ability to negotiate and influence at various levels within the organisation; An understanding of Project Management techniques; Ability to contribute to local, regional and national conferences. Benefit Statement Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme. Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements. Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities. A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs. Vetting Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Security Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process. Medical Appointment to this role may be dependent upon successfully completing medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test. Interview TBC Contact For further information email careers@westmidlands.police.uk Diversity and Inclusion West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader – the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ – all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non‑disabled applicants. Diversity and Inclusion Vision Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities. About Us West Midlands Police is the second‑largest police force in the country, serving the three major cities of Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, alongside the districts of Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull, and Dudley. Against this backdrop, the force handles more than 2,000 emergency calls every day, while patrolling the streets and responding to incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We have made significant improvements in reducing overall crime, improving call response times, and increasing arrest rates. This work can only continue with the right people, therefore as an employer of choice, we are looking for the right people who can serve and protect our communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr