Data and Applications Manager, IT

Data and Applications Manager, IT (0235)

At Morton Fraser Mac Roberts we are a new style of law firm, independent by choice and a place where we make our own decisions and our people can have their own say. Our culture empowers all of our people to be the best they can be.

You’ll get responsibility early on and the support to make great things happen. And because we understand that hard work comes from people who are empowered to be at their best more of the time, we offer an agile working environment.

We are charting our way to become the best in our field, so if you share our ambition, come chart your best course with us.

Summary of Role

The Data and Applications Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of technology solutions to support the firm’s strategic growth and profitability objectives, encompassing data engineering/analytics, process automation, systems integration and software application development.

This role exists to ensure there is comprehensive technical oversight of the firm’s data and application development activities; to create an environment which utilises data, application development, automation and AI to support both BaU activities and drive client experiences in collaboration with the innovation team.

Key Tasks

• Leads the creation of the data strategy and defines the implementation roadmap to ensure data is effectively managed, utilised, and aligned with business objectives. Utilises data analytics to provide insights that drive decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Leads data engineering work streams to ensure data quality, integrity and consistency across siloed cloud services, and integration/automation platforms.
• Ensures the integration of data and workflow across a mix of cloud-based SaaS/PaaS and IaaS services and applications. Provides technical expertise and consultancy across core applications including financial, document and case management systems, advising on how these solutions can be configured, customised or extended to meet business need.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of Microsoft Power Platform and Azure Automation / AI services to drive process automation across innovation and BaU activities. Collaborates with colleagues across Technology and Innovation identifying opportunities to automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Utilises a blend of low-code/no-code and modern application development to deliver bespoke solutions to address business requirements that are not met through standard off the shelf software.
• Establishes and manages the framework and working practices of the data and applications team, utilising modern development and management practices to ensure resources are directed appropriately and efficiently. Demonstrates ROI and challenges the business for further resourcing where applicable.
• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations related to data and applications, implementing security measures to protect sensitive information. This includes maintaining data integrity and confidentiality while enabling secure access to information.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience leading teams of data professionals and/or developers in professional services or financial services environment.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, data quality, and data security practices.
• Experience working utilising modern working practices such as Dev Ops, Agile, CI/CD and collaborative coding.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• A solid and broad understanding of data analytics and data engineering processes utilising the Microsoft data platform: SQL Server, Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, Fabric, Power
  
  BI.
• Experience leveraging M365 and Azure platform services to drive automation including Power Platform and Logic Apps. Any exposure to Azure AI / Machine Learning and CoPilot is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience delivering applications and services that utilise modern REST APIs across multiple cloud platforms, solving integration challenges and driving process automation.
• Familiar…