Applications Analyst

• Lead on application priorities and objectives, working closely with the Applications Management Lead to support organisational service delivery.
• Design, implement, test, and maintain new and existing business applications that underpin Council services.
• Analyse, develop, and recommend application solutions that improve efficiency and user experience.
• Provide technical guidance and project management support for application integration and development.
• Act as a point of escalation for complex application issues, ensuring robust problem and incident management processes.
• Build strong relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective support and delivery.
• Plan and manage upgrades and changes to business applications, including scripting and configuration at operating system, database, and application levels.
• Contribute to the development of IT strategies and policies, promoting continuous improvement and good governance.

Key Service Related Accountabilities:

• The postholder will lead on work priorities/objectives set by the Applications Management Lead and plan to deliver those objectives and to support organisational service delivery ensuring the council has a digitally enabled workforce through effective design, implementation, testing of new and existing business applications which support service delivery
• Responsible for the analysis, design, development, testing, implementation and recommendation of business application solutions
• Responsible for providing development and project management support for areas such as applications, integration and development as well as acting as a lead for some aspects of this work
• Provide guidance and support across the IT services on the design and implementation of new software applications and upgrades
• Ensuring that all problem and incident management processes are robust, effective and actively managed. This includes identification, investigation, diagnosis, resolution and closure
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining productive, efficient and effective working relationships with external suppliers' support desks services, both in terms of the personnel and the support systems provided.
• Investigate, resolve and report on causes of complex business application failures including liaising with internal and external experts as required so that lessons are learnt and any problems can be resolved quicker
• Proactively recommend, plan and manage implementation of upgrades and changes to business applications
• Business application upgrades will frequently include the execution of scripts (e.g. Unix and SQL) and actions at operating system, database and application software levels
• Support development of policies, procedures and technologies that monitor and support the key applications
• Lead on personal objectives, ensuring that agreed outcomes/milestones are being achieved through effective management against key performance indicators and that business solutions are delivered on time, to budget and meet necessary technical requirementS, * This is a hybrid position, with work split between home and City Hall, as agreed with your manager.
• Please note that occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support critical IT operations and service continuity.
• This role is advertised on a full-time, part-time, and job share basis, as we proudly support flexible working arrangements.

Do you have experience in UNIX?, * Extensive experience in IT development and support, particularly with business applications in a large corporate or local authority environment.

• Strong technical knowledge of application design, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience delivering projects within complex hardware, database, and software structures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise multiple demands.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Knowledge of governance, risk, and compliance frameworks relevant to ICT and public sector environments.
• Relevant professional or technical qualification in ICT or service management, with evidence of ongoing professional development (ITIL Foundation or equivalent desirable).
• Experience of driving change and service improvement initiatives.

We're embarking on a major transformation journey at Norwich City Council. Through local government reorganisation, we're reimagining how technology supports our services - introducing smarter systems, stronger security, and innovative solutions that deliver real impact for our city and its communities. It's an exciting time to join our IT team. We're modernising applications, enhancing user experience, and driving a digital-first approach across the organisation. As part of this journey, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our technology landscape and helping us deliver services that make a difference to the people of Norwich.