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Software Developer – Gateshead College

Grade: Scale 6 / SO1
Reports to: Learning Innovation and IT Manager

Role Purpose

To design, develop, project manage, implement, and support IT-based systems to improve and support College processes and practices.


Job Role

  1. Support the development and successful implementation of the College IT Systems Plan.
  2. Monitor and evaluate College IT systems to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently.
  3. Work closely with College staff to:
    • Analyse current processes and systems
    • Recommend improvements
    • Develop enhanced solutions using appropriate IT tools and technologies
  4. Support staff in developing robust project plans to assist decision makers in planning effective systems.
  5. Manage and lead IT systems projects through the full development lifecycle, including:
    • Working with users
    • Providing clear communication
    • Defining requirements
    • Implementation
    • Testing
    • Documentation
    • Training
    • Ongoing support
    • Integration with internal and third-party systems
  6. Write code to develop, modify, and improve new and existing systems.
  7. Observe, test, diagnose, and fix faults in systems.
  8. Test and validate IT systems to ensure they meet required standards, including:
    • Verifying database integrity
    • Supporting data owners in maintaining accurate and reliable data
  9. Report regularly to the Senior Systems Developer on:
    • Progress
    • Concerns
    • Targets
    • Actions relating to project work
  10. Advise and guide teams on best practice in IT development, including:
  • Programming environments
  • Development technologies
  • Effective use of IT across the College
  1. Ensure development work complies with departmental standards and guidelines and contribute to their continuous improvement.
  2. Maintain up-to-date project documentation, including:
  • Technical documentation
  • User guidance documentation
  1. Provide 3rd level support for applications developed within the department.
  2. Contribute as an active team member by:
  • Sharing knowledge
  • Promoting good practice
  • Supporting service improvement
  1. Work flexibly when required, including outside normal business hours or on-call support.
  2. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the role.

General Responsibilities

All College employees are expected to:

  • Understand the College strategy and ensure daily work aligns with strategic objectives.
  • Maintain high-quality standards and follow College procedures and policies.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development, including:
    • Mandatory training
    • Principal’s briefings
    • Staff conferences
  • Represent the College positively when dealing with:
    • Students
    • External clients
    • Customers
  • Work flexibly and efficiently to meet customer needs while maintaining professional standards.
  • Contribute ideas and support innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Comply with HR policies and Health & Safety requirements at all times.
  • Support the College’s safeguarding responsibilities relating to:
    • Children
    • Young people
    • Vulnerable adults
  • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion by:
    • Treating everyone with respect
    • Supporting a working environment free from bullying or harassment
  • Participate fully in the performance management process.
  • Maintain confidentiality and ensure the security of data at all times.
  • Demonstrate College values and behaviours in everyday work.
  • Support an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and embedded across the College and curriculum.

Additional Information

This job description may be updated in consultation with:

  • The employee
  • The line manager
  • Trade union representative (if applicable)

This ensures responsibilities remain clear and aligned with organisational needs.


Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Aptitudes

Essential

  • IT systems analysis skills
  • Project planning and project management knowledge
  • Understanding of software engineering principles
  • Database design and development skills
  • Programming knowledge in:
    • HTML
    • CSS
    • jQuery
    • ASP.NET
    • VB.NET
    • MVC 5
    • SQL
    • Visual Studio
  • Ability to work proactively and use initiative
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including:
    • Influencing stakeholders
    • Working diplomatically with colleagues
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Good organisational skills with ability to manage projects from scope through implementation
  • Understanding of design and production processes
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Strong problem-solving ability

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • Degree in IT or equivalent qualification
    OR
  • Demonstrable relevant experience and skills
  • Willingness to undertake further training and development as required

Experience

Essential

  • Systems analysis experience
  • Experience developing Management Information Systems
  • Experience working within a software development team
  • Experience implementing IT-based projects successfully
  • Experience providing guidance and training to users

Personal Attributes (Disposition)

  • Resilient and adaptable when promoting change
  • Motivated by continuous improvement
  • Behaviour aligned with College values
  • Takes responsibility for work and outcomes
  • Maintains high standards of performance and achievement

Special Requirements

  • Satisfactory references
  • Medical clearance
  • Enhanced DBS clearance
  • Evidence of qualification certificates

Desirable Criteria

Skills and Knowledge

  • JavaScript
  • C#
  • Web services
  • Twitter Bootstrap
  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
  • Team Foundation Server (TFS)

Qualifications or Training

  • Project Management training or certification
  • Database Management training or certification
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in relevant areas

Experience

  • Experience with College MIS systems such as:
    • EBS
    • Agresso

*ChatGPT was used to format and improve the clarity of the Job Specification.

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