Overview
Are you ready to take on complex technical challenges, champion innovation, and help shape the future of our IT services? We’re looking for a Technical Specialist who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys solving problems, and brings strong expertise across modern technologies.
Technical Specialist – £52,546 – £56,449 (including market factors uplift)
This role sits within the Applications Delivery team and is key to driving continuous improvement and maintaining our policing applications portfolio. You’ll work closely with Product Owners, Test Managers, Subject Matter Experts, Solution Architects, external suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver and support business‑critical services.
What You’ll Do
As our Technical Specialist, you will be the go‑to expert for high‑level technical support, development, and project delivery. You will:
* Lead on the design, analysis, development, and implementation of advanced technical solutions.
* Drive service improvements, proactive monitoring, maintenance, and issue resolution.
* Shape technical standards, strategy, and policy to ensure resilient, future‑ready services.
* Evaluate, recommend, and introduce new technologies, acting as a champion for innovation.
* Serve as Technical Lead on major projects to ensure strong architecture and seamless delivery.
* Provide expert consultancy, carry out root‑cause analysis, assess resource requirements, and support non‑functional needs.
* Stay ahead of technological advancements through continuous learning and hands‑on practice.
What You’ll Bring
You will be an excellent communicator with strong leadership, consultation, and negotiation skills. You will also bring:
* The ability to break down complex problems and deliver high‑quality, scalable solutions.
* Confidence working with third‑party suppliers and managing technical change end‑to‑end.
* Strong workload management, with the ability to plan effectively and deliver to agreed timescales.
* A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
* A solid understanding of standard ITIL processes.
Experience Areas
We’re looking for experience in one or more of the areas below:
Applications
* Experience supporting, maintaining, and enhancing enterprise applications.
* Ability to diagnose complex application issues, integrate with APIs or third‑party systems, and manage application lifecycle activities.
* Knowledge of application security, performance optimisation, upgrade planning, and vendor management.
* Experience working with policing, public sector, or other business‑critical applications is beneficial.
Networks
* Knowledge of LAN/WAN, Wi‑Fi, data centre networking, SD‑WAN, telephony, unified comms, and network security.
* Expertise with firewalls, cloud networking, monitoring tools, and routing protocols.
* Ability to translate architectural designs into robust, real‑world network solutions.
Infrastructure
* Experience with Microsoft 365 technologies including SCCM, Endpoint Manager, AD/ADFS, Azure AD, Identity Management, and Microsoft Information Protection.
* Skilled in technical analysis, planning, and troubleshooting.
Database
* Hands‑on experience with Oracle or SQL Server, including backups (RMAN/log shipping), replication, and PL/SQL or T‑SQL development.
* Strong understanding of RDBMS principles, distributed architectures, storage, and failover processes.
Nice to Have
* A degree in Computer Science or similar discipline, or equivalent professional experience and certifications.
Additional Information
* Location: Police and Fire Headquarters, Portishead (hybrid working available; weekly office visits required). On‑site amenities include free parking, a gym, and a coffee shop
* The role may require participation in an on‑call rota (with appropriate allowances).
* Occasional travel within the force area is required.
* Applicants must have a five‑year checkable UK residency history.
* The position offers a base salary of £47,046–£50,949, plus a market supplement of £5,500 per annum (pro rata), subject to annual review.
* Closing date: 25/03/2026, 23:55
In addition to the application form, we also require a copy of your current CV. If you are unable to upload your CV to your application, please email a copy to: Talentpolicestaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk
If you’re passionate about technology, eager to influence organisational capability, and ready to lead at a technical level—we’d love to hear from you.
About us
Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset. We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring. We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
Blended Working/ Hybrid Working
Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible. This role has been identified as a blended role. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.
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