DevOps Specialist

Job summary

The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) is the national body responsible for all matters relating to the prevention, detection and investigation of economic crime across the NHS. Further information about our work and annual plan for delivering this is available on our website.

We are seeking a DevOps Specialist to provide programming, integration, and development support within our cloud and on-premise infrastructures.

They will provide professional guidance as line manager for Digital Developers within the Digital Development Team.

The post holder will work in an agile way to provide specialist expertise and advice to Digital Technology team members and the wider business. They will assist with the implementation of new software, hardware and infrastructure projects, including leading on the enhancement and optimisation of functionality within our cloud environments (predominantly Azure).

Potential applicants can contact Nick Tones at for an informal chat if you have any questions regarding the role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a significant number of applications. This is a fixed term role until the end of March 2025.

Interviews will be held on 13th May 2024.

Main duties of the job

This is a fundamental role within the wider Digital Development team to provide a service to all business areas within NHSCFA and our wider stakeholders for the design, development and support of the implementation of digital solutions. It requires the ability to work with other team members, stakeholders and suppliers to methodically analyse problems and recommend or implement the best course of action.

The role will also mentor and support other members of the development team where they are allocated tasks according to their skills, knowledge and grade, providing feedback to those mentoring and upwards to senior managers.

About us

We have offices based in Coventry, Newcastle and London and offer flexible, hybrid, office and home-based working. In addition to the advertised salary working in the London area will attract High-Cost Area Supplement where appropriate. The NHSCFA values and respects the diversity of its employees and aims to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including an invitation to the first stage of the selection process and consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability. If you are applying to undertake this role on a secondment basis you should have agreement to being released from your current role in principle, prior to submitting an application form. When you apply for this role, you will be redirected to our recruitment system TRAC. Please apply without delay as we reserve the right to close any vacancies from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. The NHSCFA does not hold a sponsor licence in respect of skilled worker visas and so is unable to employ candidates requiring sponsorship.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Acts as consultant to team and customers on potential use and adaptation of IT products and solutions. Identifies, evaluates, and recommends the purchase and use of third-party products. Representing NHS CFA as a technical expert to internal and external stakeholders

Responsible for analysing and resolving a range of highly complex technical and business problems, risks, and issues, often with conflicting requirements. Identifying and assessing a range of practical and feasible solutions in a timely and effective manner, which are implemented across NHS CFAs business processes, IT systems and services to challenging deadlines.

Leads teams on integrating specialist products or initiatives into business solutions and processes.

Initiates design and develops models for adoption by the appropriate IT team.

Responsible for developing a level of technical/business knowledge to reduce NHS CFA dependence on third parties.

Please see full Job Description and Person Specification

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Significant experience in IT particularly in a DevOps setting. Experience of Configuring and managing IT infrastructure such as Web and Database servers. Working knowledge of various tools, open-source technologies, cloud services and the development of APIs and integration standards On-going commitment to attend training courses to update and develop IT skills. Significant experience in developing or using Automated tools to monitor system health and reliability to support business process requirement.

Desirable

Detailed knowledge of modern cloud-based application design and development including methods to maintain data integrity and system security. Development experience using Java, Web technologies and Relational databases. Awareness of Industry Standard Security Practices, Data Protection Act and the Caldicott Report.

Specialist Knowledge

Essential

In depth knowledge of one or more of the following: oBusiness Analysis oProgramming Languages oDatabase Designs oDatabase Administration oOperating Systems oDesktop Systems Support including hardware and software oSystems Architecture design development and support oTechnology Integration oTelecommunications oInternetworking oNetwork Security oNetwork File Servers oNetwork Data Storage

Desirable

Demonstrate knowledge of web security techniques: oUse of public / private Key cryptography oDefending against common exploits / vulnerabilities in web applications

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Computer Science, or related subject or equivalent in IT qualifications OR Equivalent relevant knowledge and experience of the subject matter

Desirable

Professionally recognised certification at appropriate level in area of specialism. (For example AWS/Azure specialisms) Experience of Prince 2 or Agile project management and ITIL.

Communication Skills

Essential

Ability to perform the following: oInfluence IT and lead others in the development of knowledge, ideas and work practice within area of specialism. oDevelop own and others knowledge & practice in area of specialism and at the same time monitor & maintain health, safety and security procedures. oEstablish and maintain communication with individuals and groups about difficult or highly complex matters overcoming any problems in communication. oParticipate in partnership working with individuals, groups, organisations and agencies. oEstablish and maintain communication with individuals and groups about difficult or highly complex matters overcoming any problems in communication and communicate effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences. oConsider implications/impact of customer requirements when making proposals. oContributes to briefings of IT Staff and Business management on technical /business matters. oIs an effective and professional ambassador for the NHS CFA at external meetings and events portraying an appropriate image. oDeveloping relationships with customers, suppliers and industry colleagues. oCommunicates effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences verbally and in writing. oPrepares and gives presentations and training to large groups, including internal and external stakeholders.

---