Development Manager

Job title: IT Development Manager

Reports to: Global Head of IT Systems

Location: London

What are we looking for?

The IT Development Manager will be responsible for leading a team of Analyst Developers whilst working closely with the Global Head of IT Systems.  You will oversee and manage the gathering and analysis of requirements, designing, developing and testing robust IT systems to support the firm's expansion and need for enhanced information to support core business operations and processes. 

This role would suit a dynamic, hands-on development leader who is a clear and confident communicator, looking for the opportunity to build and enhance applications and the use of data, as well as managing a team.  The successful candidate will possess solid programming experience in a professional environment, ideally in a law firm.  Experience of working in an international firm would also be an advantage.

The role

The individual will work in our London office as part of the Global Systems Team. The Global Systems Team is located in London and is responsible for supporting and maintaining the firm's technology across geographical regions. The Global Systems Team is split into six functional but collaborative groups – Infrastructure, Applications, Development, Solution Architecture, Testing and Change and Release.

You will be responsible for managing a small team of analyst developers, who are tasked with building, enhancing and supporting our business applications alongside our team of finance, business and technical systems analysts. Close working relationships with our key vendors is an imperative.  Hands-on design, UI, development and SQL skills will be required alongside the management of the full development lifecycle (both Waterfall and Agile methodologies).

As a technical expert, the IT Development Manager will assess the overall requirements, determine relevant approaches for how solutions might be engineered (identifying key impacts per option), identifying necessary data flows, interfaces, and highlight dependencies on any internal/external systems.  They will be responsible for preparing functional design specifications, prototypes for evaluation and manage stakeholder expectations surrounding requirements gathering, implementation and testing phases.  Their designs will be challenged, and they will be expected to iterate based on feedback. There is also a strong element of troubleshooting involved in the role.

The Development Manager will ideally have familiarity with legal business processes/systems, in particular, familiarity with enterprise IT systems such as Elite 3E for practice management, HRIS and personnel data warehouses, InterAction for client relationship management information. Knowledge of the Intapp product suite is essential.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Senior Development resource globally
• Provide specialist insight support and contribution to key transformation business or technology projects
• Develop and deliver discreet IT solutions to meet business needs
• Design, develop, and maintain applications that integrate across our on-premise and cloud platforms
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure that applications are delivered in the timescales expected
• Provide high level support and development for existing and future low code/no code solutions
• Work with key stakeholders in identifying and implementing technologies that streamline processes, providing advice and experience on best practices
• Help to deploy applications to the firm by following the firm's global deployment strategy
• Prepare and update any technical documentation as required
• Provide BAU support to live systems
• Work with and help direct external consultants / suppliers if required

Deliverables

• Key development and technical resource on a large portfolio of projects including NBI improvements (in Intapp) and 3E roadmap enhancements
• Bespoke software applications to mobile and desktop users on a Microsoft Windows platform
• Detailed technical analysis, with supporting documentation, solution outline and detailed specifications.
• System functional design, non-functional requirements, and interface specifications
• Documentation for deployment configuration, change management, handover and operational support
• Test data design and key test scenarios
• Install and manage the necessary development coding standards and processes
• Prototypes and evaluation systems (quick return on investment / minimum viable product)

Technical skills required

• At least 10 years of experience in application development, with proven track record of leading and delivering complex projects
• Experience working with a variety of programming languages
• Experience in SQL including writing efficient queries, stored procedures and (data feed) ETLs etc
• Strong knowledge and experience in application integration (middleware) experience (such as Intapp Integrate/Integration Builder) essential
• Good working knowledge C#, VB.Net, ASP.Net. with the ability to review code for efficacy, structure and best practice methods
• Good knowledge of Microsoft low code solutions and technologies, like Power Apps and Power Automate
• Good knowledge of AI solution development practise
• Report design / SSRS & Power BI experience
• Good knowledge of XML
• Intapp Open / Conflicts / Walls or other business process management systems
• Experience using web services/hooks and APIs built on REST / SOAP(legacy) as well as using JSON

Interpersonal skills required

• Strong management experience with a willingness to mentor colleagues
• Highly self-motivated , proactive, energetic and enthusiastic with high professional standards
• Smart and professional manner
• Ability to plan out and work on a number of tasks and projects simultaneously
• Ability to effectively prioritise and execute tasks to a defined plan
• Able to work under pressure, calm and not easily ruffled
• Ability to collaborate with senior leadership, business and legal professionals to ensure technology systems meet the needs of all stakeholders.
• Good communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills and demonstrable ability to translate technical details to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexible and pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Motivated to complete tasks accurately and on (or ahead of) time
• Team player, with flexible attitude and collaborative approach to work and work colleagues

The Essentials

• 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Hybrid Working – 2/3 days a week in the office
• 12 week probation period
• 12 week notice period
• Flexible benefits package including pension, private medical, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, on site café plus more

About Withers Worldwide

Withers have been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for over 100 years. We advise clients on their business and personal legal needs both at home and abroad. In this fast moving and increasingly regulated world, the need for integrated and timely advice has never been more urgent.

We are recognised as the only international law firm for successful people, their families, their businesses and their philanthropic work.  With offices in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage that other law firms focussed on the individual cannot.

With over 150 partners and more than 450 other lawyers, we have unparalleled expertise in commercial, tax, trusts, estate planning, financial services, litigation and arbitration, real estate, charities, employment, family law and other legal issues facing individuals and their families.  The firm has advised 42% of the top 100 UK Sunday Times Rich List and over 20% of the top 100 US Forbes list, as well as numerous families in Asia.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withers Worldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.