Overview
This is an opportunity for an experienced Applications Manager to join the Digital Services team, leading quality assurance and controlled deployment of changes across our portfolio of clinical systems. The postholder will ensure that new system enhancements, upgrades, and modules are safe, effective, and fit for purpose before release into the live clinical environment. A primary focus is leading the end-to-end testing cycle, developing robust test strategies, and coordinating comprehensive User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with clinical and operational stakeholders. The role includes managing the release and deployment process for key applications and providing line management for a specialist team of application analysts.
Main duties
The postholder will lead the quality assurance process for all application changes, ensuring they are robust, fit for purpose, and clinically safe prior to deployment. This involves developing and managing test plans and strategies, planning and coordinating UAT with a wide range of stakeholders, and using testing platforms such as Leapwork where appropriate. They will manage the end-to-end release and deployment cycle for key clinical systems, ensuring adherence to the Trust\'s formal change management procedures. Acting as a subject matter expert, the manager will provide specialist advice, handle escalated support issues, and manage the implementation of new applications or system modules. Responsibilities include liaising with third-party software suppliers to manage defect resolution and providing line management for a specialist team of application analysts, including workload management and staff development.
About us
With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation. NUH values diversity and offers opportunities for personal and professional development in world-class healthcare settings. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals and Disabled people to improve representation.
Details
Date posted: 08 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 164-7444908
Job locations: Heathfield House, City Hospital, Nottingham, NG5 1PB
Job responsibilities
The Applications Implementation and Support Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of a designated portfolio of clinical and business applications. The postholder will ensure these systems are reliable, effectively maintained, and developed in line with Trust needs. A key focus is leading the implementation of new systems and enhancements, ensuring changes are rigorously QA tested before deployment to the live environment. The manager acts as the link between technical teams, project managers, and clinical end-users, translating service requirements into technical specifications and managing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) process. They provide expert-level application support, manage relationships with third-party suppliers, contribute to IT service management, and have line management responsibility for a team of application analysts.
Implementation, Testing and Release Management
* Lead and manage the implementation of new applications and major system upgrades from a technical and configuration perspective.
* Develop, plan, and manage comprehensive test strategies and plans for applications and interfaces.
* Coordinate and support UAT with clinical services, guiding end-users as needed.
* Manage the release and deployment schedule for applications, ensuring compliance with formal Change Management processes.
* Ensure changes are fully documented and that appropriate training information is provided to the IT Service Desk and training teams.
Application Management and Support
* Act as the lead SME for designated applications, maintaining deep knowledge of functionality, configuration, and interfaces.
* Perform complex configuration and administration tasks to meet user requirements and maintain system integrity.
* Investigate and resolve complex, escalated incidents and problems, providing specialist technical support.
* Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including configuration guides and support procedures.
* Monitor application performance and capacity, producing regular reports and identifying areas for improvement.
Leadership and Stakeholder Management
* Provide line management to a team of application analysts, including appraisals and workload management.
* Manage relationships with third-party software suppliers and escalate issues as necessary.
* Communicate complex technical information to a wide range of stakeholders, including clinical staff, project managers, and senior management.
* Participate in project groups and meetings to provide specialist advice and ensure application service requirements are represented.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training & Professional Development
Essential
* Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent significant experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* ITIL v3 or v4 Foundation Certificate.
Desirable
* Management or leadership qualification or equivalent experience.
* PRINCE2 Foundation or an equivalent project management qualification.
Experience
Essential
* Significant experience in the implementation, administration, and support of complex IT applications within a large and complex organisation.
* Experience in line managing technical staff, including workload management, appraisals, and performance management.
* Demonstrable experience of managing the full testing lifecycle, including development of test plans and coordinating UAT.
* Experience in IT service management (ITSM/ITIL), especially change, incident, and problem management.
* Experience in managing relationships and communicating with third-party software suppliers.
Desirable
* Experience working within the NHS or another large healthcare organisation.
Knowledge
Essential
* In-depth knowledge of application management, system configuration, and support processes.
* Understanding of ITSM principles and frameworks.
* Knowledge of project management methodologies and their application.
Desirable
* Understanding of NHS information governance and data quality standards.
* Knowledge of NHS clinical or administrative information systems.
Skills & Abilities
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex issues.
* Ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse stakeholders.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills to manage competing demands and deadlines.
* Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a technical team to ensure high service delivery standards.
* Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
Compliance
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure to the DBS may be required to check for any previous convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available in the linked guidance.
Employer details
Employer: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts
Address: Heathfield House, City Hospital, Nottingham, NG5 1PB
Employer's website: nuh.nhs.uk
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