Solutions Lead Department: Group: Direct Line Manager: Direct Reports: Business Support Manager - Information Services Database Applications Analyst, Technical Business Analyst Delegations: Primary Location: Job Summary and Purpose: House of Waipa (HoW) Our purpose is to partner the community in promoting the well-being of the Waipa District and its people. We do this by being: Economically progressive Environmental and cultural champions Please refer to Waipa District Council s Delegations Register for the specific delegated authorities that are applicable to this role Te Awamutu Office but mobile between Council Offices and around the District to fulfil the Key Result Areas as required. To take a lead role in managing the design, development and delivery of council wide business solutions. To work closely with stakeholders at all levels across the Council to ensure software and systems support strategic business requirements. Undertake the full range of project and business as usual support activities including design, specification, procurement, budgeting and installation. To manage, guide and develop a small team delivering business solutions. Connected with our community Socially responsible Conducting ourselves on a day to day basis in accordance with our core Waipa Values which are: We have a Can Do Attitude and Own What We Do, Are Honest, Act with Integrity and Care for Our People, Inspire People to Exceed Expectations, Pursue Excellence in all We Do, And we have Fun and Celebrate Success! Where do you fit in at Waipa District Council? Manager IS Solutions Team Solutions Lead Database Applications Analyst Technical Business Analyst
Your House of Waipa Key Result Areas Key Result Areas (KRAs) (Expected Responsibilities & Tasks to be fulfilled) Manage and develop a team of technical staff in the development and delivery of robust business information systems Play a lead role in a number of technical applications development specialist areas. Contribute to the ICT planning process and assist with the development of business systems delivery plans. Supports Manager IS in ensuring good relationships with ICT customers and the development of efficient business information solutions to ensure strategic alignment of software developments in line with the strategic aims of the council. Maintain a high level of technical competency and knowledge of the ICT environment. Provide support and guidance to all areas of ICT and the business and provide quality checks and assurance through the operational hand over process. Ensures compliance with, and the development of, quality standards and procedures related to solutions development. CORE RESPONSBILITIES Key Performance Outcomes (Performance Measures) Applications roadmap is articulated to the organisation using business plans, project briefs and solutions technical architecture in line with the Council Information Services Strategy. Solutions are developed in collaboration with Council staff and third party vendor experts using appropriate tools and analysis to clearly document user stories and functional requirements. Quality advice and support is provided to the organisation, solutions proposed and delivered are fit for purpose. Page 2 of 10
Working with colleagues on complex systems, specifies user/system interfaces, including for example: menus, screen dialogues, inputs, reports, validation and error correction procedures, processing rules, access, security and audit controls, recovery routines and contingency procedures. Where appropriate factors in Solutions Development Lifecycle. Documents all work using required standards, methods and tools. Ensures that systems development projects take full account of and, where necessary, correctly interface with existing systems and infrastructure. Participates in the development and maintenance of corporate data standards. Obtains formal agreement by stakeholders and recipients to scope requirements and establishes a base-line on which delivery of a solution can commence. Plans, designs and conducts tests of programs; corrects errors and re-tests to achieve an error-free result. Designs and produces re-usable test scripts, procedures and regression test packs (with expected results) to test new and amended software. Produces plans to test the effect of new and changed software on existing systems. Conducts business risk and vulnerability assessments and business impact analysis for well-defined business applications or IT installations Manage the maintenance of adequate documentation on all key systems for administration and Disaster recovery purposes. Monitors progress, and documents test failures and successes compared with predefined criteria, creating traceability records, from test cases back to requirements, in accordance with agreed standards. SOLUTION DESIGN CHANGE MANGEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING Council s software systems interoperability is continually reviewed and improved to reduce orphan processes and increase availability of Council information. Council core systems are maintained on N or N-1 versions where compatibility with systems architecture allows. Systems development life cycle framework is implemented for core systems. Minimal system failures and unplanned outages of production systems. All faults resolved in a timely manner. All changes are managed using Councils CMDB. Documentation is completed and accurate and reviewed on a scheduled basis. Reports are complete and available on time o Change notifications daily/as required o Significant outage events as required The Asset register contains accurate information. Maintains all documentation in Councils EDRMS system. Page 3 of 10
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of emerging technology trends and developments over a broad range of information and communications technologies. Maintains awareness of good practice frameworks, within the sphere of Business and IT, including capability and maturity models, and standards. Manage and develop effective relationships with customers and project stakeholders at all levels across the Council to ensure successful delivery of projects. Maintain high quality records in relation to all areas of project management and developing procedures and processes as required, demonstrating robust management guidance and standards. Team Performance Management Effectively lead and enable direct reports to deliver business unit and organisational performance objectives. Maintain a high standard of support and proactively assess team resources and/or reallocates workloads as necessary. Team Professional Development Provide appropriate development, induction and internal training opportunities to direct reports. Employee Engagement & Leadership Create a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance based on Council Values. Documents all work using required standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate. Constructs, interprets and executes test plans to verify correct operation of completed systems SOLUTIONS GOVERNANCE Demonstrates awareness of trends and good practice models. Actively contributes to Council IS strategy. PROJECT MANAGMENT TEAM PERFORMANCE AND LEADERSHIP Projects are managed well with appropriate tracking of time, cost and quality criteria. Exceptions are reported to the Manager IS in a timely manner. Project documentation is maintained in Councils EDRMS and project metrics kept up to date in project delivery tool(s) and organisational performance measurement framework. Positive feedback received from customers and project stakeholders. Allocated work is appropriately scheduled and advice is sought from Manager Information Services should clarification be required. Team Performance Management Team members have an awareness of key team and organisational performance achievements and goals. Recognising and addressing of poor/good performance is clearly evident. Enables the Team/Department to fulfil KRAs through proactive resourcing and redeployment. Team Professional Development Direct reporting staff are enabled to deliver on performance outcomes and development expectations. New starters and promoted or seconded team members are adequately supported Page 4 of 10
Demonstrates compliance with Health and Safety requirements and promotes an awareness of relevant responsibilities as outlined in Council s H&S Management Programme and under the HASIE Act and its Regulations and any relevant Codes of Practice. Develop contractors awareness and adherence to Council s H&S practices and policies. Adequate resources (e.g. PPE, financial, training and staff) are incorporated into business planning. Actively promotes and supports health and safety, and wellbeing initiatives. HEALTH & SAFETY Immediate action is taken when a breach in H&S procedures or practices becomes known, or when there are inadequate resources available (e.g. PPE). Any breaches identified during an audit are rectified/minimised within an appropriate timeframe and in consultation with key stakeholders. All accidents/incidents/near misses are reported to the H&S Advisor within 48 hours of their occurrence. Contractors conform to H&S obligations as outlined in the relevant tender and/or contract documents and applicable Council procedures. There is regular team representation at H&S Committee Meetings. PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 10
HoW Values Actively supports and models the required HoW Values and required behaviours of the role (internally and externally). Customer Service Promote a customer first and first contact resolution culture within the department, and the wider Council. Maintains high level of customer service under all conditions, devising solutions and meeting commitments within timeframes and constraints. Adheres to Council s confidentiality policies and relevant legislation, in all customer interactions. Professional Development Takes personal responsibility for discussing own performance and professional development with direct manager. Demonstrates commitment to up-skilling and further developing specialist knowledge and best practice initiatives. Opportunities for Improvement Uses the Let s Improve programme to identify opportunities for improvement and as necessary works across the organisation to implement the necessary changes. Fulfils all other assigned responsibilities and/or project work in a professional and timely manner. ADDITIONAL DUTIES HoW Values Champions the Waipa Values in all professional interactions, and seeks approval and/or when unsure seeks feedback in an appropriate manner. Participates in a community service activity annually. Customer Service Evidence of improving customer service with new initiatives within the department. Customer enquiries/requests, CRMs and correspondence etc, are responded to in the required timeframe and are followed through in manner that promotes resolution. Complies with Council s confidentiality policies when dealing with customer information and requests. Professional Development Takes an active role in own PDR and raises any concerns in a constructive manner that does not undermine good faith. Takes an active approach in familiarising themselves with the relevant plans, procedures, policies, processes and statutory requirements that can or may relate to their role and to the wider Council. Opportunities for Improvement Contributes to and/or champions a Let s Improve continuous improvement initiative through to completion. Positive feedback is received by manager reflecting the achievement of positive results and ability to go the extra mile when fulfilling additional responsibilities or completing project work as assigned by manager. Internal Approval Approved By: MANAGER - INFORMATION SERVICES Date Approved: From time to time the Solutions Lead will be reviewed and altered in consultation with the current Job Holder(s). Such reviews will generally occur in response to changes in statutory requirements, internal changes (i.e. processes, technology etc) and prior to a job validation exercise. All of these changes must have the prior approval of the Manager Human Resources, during and following consultation. Page 6 of 10
If, following consultation with the current Job Holder(s), it is proposed that the Key Result Areas (KRAs) of the role will change significantly and/or the position title may change, prior approval will be sought from the Chief Executive, relevant Group Manager and Manager Human Resources. Job Holder Acknowledgement I, acknowledge that the Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Outcomes outlined above are what is expected of me and will be used to measure my performance while I am employed with Waipa District Council as Solutions Lead. I also acknowledge that, by providing my signature below, I will raise any concerns about the above expectations in an appropriate and constructive manner with my direct manager and will actively contribute and participate in a consultation process should this job description be reviewed whilst I am the job holder. Signed: Job Holder Full Name: Date: Page 7 of 10
Person Specification Solutions Lead Essential Degree or considerable experience in a similar role PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS Desirable Senior ICT Technical Certification e.g. TOGAF. ITIL Certification. Project Management Certification. Essential Experience in leading and delivering ICT solutions within an enterprise environment. Experience of working in a multidisciplinary environment Experience of working with key stakeholders at all levels in an organisation Experience of managing individuals and developing their skills and knowledge. Experience in delivering, specifying and implementing new applications following structured methodologies RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE Desirable Experience of Public Sector environments. Experience in designing and delivering business change The following demonstrates the expectations of an effective and competent job holder (i.e. the employee s ability to achieve an overall PDR rating of 5 or more). This does not necessarily represent the current job holder s competencies, skills and attributes. Areas of particular strength and those that require further development are discussed between the direct manager and job holder when first appointed and as part of Council s Performance Development Review (PDR) process. Essential Technical Skills JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES Application Systems. Proficient in the application of automated systems to the support of specific business functions or processes. Proficient in organised and documented sets of techniques, intended to facilitate the structured development of applications. Information Modelling Tools. Familiar with tools and techniques (manual or automated) which can be used to Desirable Technical Skills Knowledge of Virtualisation products. Knowledge of SaaS/PaaS products. Experience writing working with web services and API programming. Communication Skills Effectively negotiate task and project deadlines with key stakeholders Good group presentation skills Develops appropriate documentation to suit the audience Page 8 of 10
Essential JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES document an understanding of the structure, relationships and use of information within an organisation. National/International Standards Familiar with standards associated with IT practice nationally and internationally Programming/SQL Languages Proficient in a set of codes and syntax such as languages VB, C++, SQL Operational/Service Architecture Familiar with knowledge of the IT infrastructure (hardware, databases, operating systems, local area networks etc) and the IT applications and service processes used within own organisation.. Planning and Organisation Determining a course of action by breaking it down into smaller steps and by planning and resourcing each of these, making allowance for potential problems concepts and applications (Altiris). Knowledge of maintaining a medium size network with a variety of communications devices (wired/wireless) Communication Skills Ability to relay technical information to nontechnical stakeholders effectively. Effectively gives and solicits feedback to ensure understanding. Persuasively communicates point-of-view to others and negotiates effectively. Written and verbal reports to supervisors/management are clear, concise and well received. Leadership Skills Motivates and inspires people towards positive change. Explores possibilities and alternatives in collaboration with stakeholders. Takes action through effective and pragmatic decision making. Obtains willing cooperation/commitment from others. People Skills Ability to guide and influence people to take action and follow correct procedures Desirable Effectively resolves conflict Excellent public speaking and presentation skills. Leadership Skills Imparts and transfers technical knowledge to enhance the development of others. Enhances team through effective delegation of tasks and decision making. Actively identifies career development opportunities for others. People Skills Excellent conflict resolution and mediation skills. Able to work collaboratively to engage diverse interest groups whilst driving progress. Handles complex/contentious issues with balance and fairness, and considers the long term impacts. Personal Accountability and Self-Management Contributes to an operate exchange of ideas in meetings/discussion in a constructive manner. Drives business results by aligning with vision, mission and values to enhance business value Understands the political nature of the organisation, and the development and implementation of policy. Thinks broadly and conceptually, considering strategies and possibilities to drive the organisation forward. Shows initiative to learn beyond scope of role, to provide extra support to key staff. Page 9 of 10
Essential JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES Develops productive relationships and maintains an atmosphere of trust Establishes rapport quickly with stakeholders Personal Accountability and Self-Management Seeks and demonstrates ownership of issues and solutions. Maintains and upholds standards in an ethical and consistent manner. Maintains positive focus even under pressure or resolving conflict. Minute attention to detail, particularly with regard to written documents and technical equipment. Takes appropriate and reasonable steps to solve problems or improve the status quo Self-starter that sets and achieves own goals. Displays a willing flexibility, adapts well to organizational change Has an organized approach to tasks and manages time efficiently Physical Capability Can work at computers for long periods of time. Fit and able to carry and move IT equipment. Desirable Page 10 of 10