Technical Business Partner

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to : Technical Business Partnering Leads / Head of ICT Projects

Responsible For:  This is a new role and the post-holder is challenged with providing support to EA to assist with the implementation and support of business information systems across multiple directorates. 

The Technical Business Partner will be responsible for helping to shape and design large scale/complex ICT projects for EA Directorates and Services and will act in an advisory capacity for service led projects

The role will seek to identify opportunities within EA and provide support in the delivery of solutions. The Technical Business Partner role will collaborate with the five directorates to develop initiatives and strategies that optimise processes and improve service delivery within EA. 

They will be the contact point for all issues pertaining to the project(s) assigned to them, including liaison with ICT Heads of Service and stakeholders across the Education Authority, and external suppliers to ensure consistent Programme Delivery. 

The role will involve working closely within ICT Projects service team and ICT Heads of Services to ensure successful Programme delivery and support Technical Business Partner Leads with requirements, process mapping, project delivery and procurement, on time and within budget.

The Managers will be responsible for managing and leading a team of employees within the service, this may include managing employees across all EA offices.

Job Purpose

The postholder will:

Technical Business Partner will act as the key liaison when engaging with other Directorates and Services, providing advice on project ideas and enabling the provision of ICT services required for transformation. Present new technology, innovations and developments to the business Analyse the market and identify suitable applications and ensure the Programme meets the application needs of the EA. Lead and co-ordinate the activities of their area of responsibility ensuring the achievement of the projects’ overall objectives within specified time and budget constraints. Manage a team and be responsible for the successful implementation of multiple ICT projects to support the core business areas of the Education Authority Manage all items relating to assigned projects and provide regular updates to ICT Management, Develop and monitor data quality metrics and seek to provide one single source of data and ensure business data and reporting needs are met. Liaise with EA Business Areas/Services to identify and document existing business processes within programme scope, identifying gaps and proposing efficiencies where relevant to define project technical and business requirements. Liaise with DE in respect of the Business Case funding for projects over the delegated limit Report findings to stakeholders and providing Business Partner Leads with regular status reports as defined within the reporting guidelines

Scope and Context

The postholder will lead and define business requirements to support the procurement exercises for new services delivery and report to relevant stakeholders across EA Services/external within the defined timescales, within agreed cost tolerances and to defined quality standards The postholder will work with the Technical Business Partner Leads and PMO to report on progress against agreed timescales, costs etc. and will also take the lead in resolving any issues which may arise with the assigned contractors where applicable. Projects assigned to the Postholder within the ICT Programme of Work must adhere to their project plans and approved requirements. Strong technology, analytical and communication skills are must-have traits. Identify opportunities and processes for the new service and EA To lead and manage workshops as required

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Business Partner Division Aligned to ICT Programme of Work 

Modeling business data structures and integrations, assessing and documenting current and future process aligned to the ICT Programme of Work  Establish the documentation necessary including technical specification for the relevant full business case Work closely with the PMO and Head of Projects to ensure that all project deliverables conform to the PM Framework. Lead and co-ordinate on requirements gathering, development and delivery of requirements throughout project delivery within the ICT Programme To develop process documentation (including process maps), business cases and procurement documentation to support the Business in achieving the strategic and operational objectives of their directorate. Oversee the implementation of multiple projects across EA services within defined timescales and budget Report to the ICT Programme Board and PMO on the progress of the ICT projects against agreed time and cost constraints  Manage the relationship between ICT and EA Stakeholders regarding both future direction and Business as usual operational service involving ICT. Act as Key contact and work in partnership with the appointed contractor in terms of implementation and support issues throughout any new project life cycle. Identifying opportunities for process improvement to improve quality, efficiency and/or value to support ICT projects in achieving the strategic and operational objectives of the directorate. Provide cover for the Technical Business Partner Leads when required. Writing functional specifications and use cases, including detailed user and data requirements. To contribute to the development of a strategic plan and lead on the development of the service-specific business plan.  Investigate all complaints/adverse incidents within their areas of responsibilities where outcomes are below expected standards.

Management, including System Procurement, Implementation and Performance

Take ownership of end to end testing for ICT solutions including input to the development of the test strategy, test plans, test cases, and test scripts. including advising on defect management. Work with the ICT Heads of service to establish, maintain and communicate clear and compelling strategic directions for the Business Partner related areas of responsibility. Ensure all project milestones are properly identified for all phases of the project and that they are met through effective management of and communication with the project/implementation team. Adhere to the system of monitoring and reporting against project objectives and timescales To Deliver/Manage service Budget in accordance with financial policy and procedures ensuring service delivery within defined environment including: Detail planningMonitoring of costsQuality assurance Ensure all deliverables within Technical Business Partner function is managed effectively, efficiently and within budget. Support the Technical Business Partner Leads and HOS with Preparation of documentation for, attendance at and actions arising from Meetings as required. To ensure that systems/services are delivered efficiently and effectively through the associated responsibilities and meets the needs and standards expected of a leading public service organisation. 

People Management & Development, including Resource Requirements, Planning and Monitoring Progress

To promote the corporate vision, values and culture of EA as a single regional organisation, in all processes linked to maintenance, development and implementation of their element of project assignment. Ensure that employees within the ICT Team are provided with clear structure, strategies, policies and processes for their system/service are implemented while maintaining the high standards of the Authority and any future challenges. Line Manage employees assigned to support Technical Business Partner job tasks throughout the project life cycle. Foster a culture that supports achievement of the authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours to staff. Define detailed activities and Technical Business Partnering team accountabilities Define project resource requirements to meet the projects’ objectives to ensure they are provided when required. Provide guidance and direction to members of the project team. Allocate work packages to the Technical Business Partnering team.

Management of Key Relationships to Ensure Effective Interaction between various partners.

Operate with EA’s strategic direction, relevant legislation, industry best practice and other public sector policies and guidance at the core of delivery. Manage emerging developments as required. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders across all EA Directorates as required and monitor the contractor’s performance against contracts and agreed timelines. Take full responsibility for managing relationships across the comprehensive ICT interface within one or more EA Services, DE, contractor, etc in relation to the successful development/implementation of the systems within the ICT Programme of work, ensuring ICT achieve their business objectives. Ensure appropriate interface arrangements, where necessary, are designed between the new system and legacy systems Liaise with EA business areas to identify and document existing business processes within programme scope, identifying gaps and proposing efficiencies where relevant. To work closely with Team members to ensure that all project requirements, deadlines, and schedules are on track. Responsibilities include submitting Technical Business Partner project deliverables, preparing status reports, and establishing effective communication plans as well as the proper execution of their Business Partner Strand of said plans. To establish effective, accountable and rigorous quality assurance systems to achieve highest possible standards of performance, with focuses on maintaining the needs of internal and external customers. Agree project performance targets with the Head of Project’s and PMO and provide regular progress reports.  Undertake any other duties which from time to time may be required by the ICT Programme Board

Risk Management

Identify and manage risks that may arise within their area of responsibility and develop controls to mitigate them, ensure any risks or issues are escalated appropriately before they develop into an issue.  Report to ICT Programme Board on risks and management thereof.

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