DB & Middleware Delivery Lead (Cardiff )

Job Description Summary
The DB & Middleware Manager will be responsible for all proactive design and management activities associated with the AA’s Data base & Middleware technology, acting as an escalation point for the outsourced L2-4 support function. They will work with the IT Delivery teams in designing new database and middleware requirements, ensuring effective re-use of existing investments and specifying new technology solutions to an industry best standard and those set out by Enterprise Architecture (EA).
This role needs to develop and maintain an effective relationship with teams across the IT organisation & stakeholders, leading delivery of DB and Middleware services through to the live environment and then responsible for the ongoing live operations.

Individual behaviours
Think impact

Is starting with outcomes first and focussing on priorities while thinking about return.
It is not focussing solely on the short-term impact or being busy for the sake of it.
Own it

Is being on the hook for delivery and making things happen, finding solutions to blockers when they appear.
It is not doing it alone and not managing stakeholders or hiding bad news.
Back each other
Is trusting the experts and achieving the best outcome for the AA, calling out great work by other teams along the way.
It is not blaming silos or avoiding tough conversations when needed.
Push for better

Is being ambitious around what we do and how we do it, looking outside for inspiration and constantly looking to improve. It is not accepting the status quo or not considering the impact of any changes.

Responsibilities
• Accountable for Planning & Roadmap for Database & Middleware, including ongoing refresh and enhancements of platforms in line with Enterprise Architectural standards
• Accountability for product licensing and forecasting total cost of ownership of the middleware platform
• Accountability for implementation of database & middleware technology, including technical debt remediation and ongoing enhancements, delivered by AA or 3rd party resource
• Translate an existing high-level design (HLD) or other provided documentation from Solution
Architecture, to produce a corresponding database and middleware design, while advising on implementation and operational implications.
• Definition of scope of third party contracts (both operational and project change SoWs)
• Accountable for operational stability of database & middleware, providing input to RCA with Problem Management, and accountability for remedial action
• Accountability of efficiency / optimisation of infrastructure area and third-party support contracts
• Management of patching & monitoring strategy / policy for Database & Middleware, including working with the outsource partner to plan and manage the patching
• Attendance at Change forums / CAB on behalf of Database & Middleware as required
• Act as an escalation point for MIM / L2-4 support, both for internal and external parties
• Primary point of contact for AA vendors/partners relating to Databases & Middleware, maintaining technical awareness of market developments
• Produce database & middleware designs that align to EA standards
• Interpretation of service designs developed from Solution Architecture, to produce a corresponding database and middleware design
• Collaborative engagement with PM’s to identify the right DB & Middleware technology at the right cost
• Review and approve DB & Middleware designs from other sources/vendors
• Quality control activities to ensure that the design meets requirements
• Design and develop a constant database & Middleware design roadmap

The Individual
Capability, Knowledge and Experience
• Proven experience in leading, or being a MSE in a database and middleware design function
• Proven experience working within 24/7 IT operational environment
• Experience working as a technical expert in the following fields:

o Oracle
o Microsoft SQL
o JBoSSo Weblogic

• Other areas beneficial areas of experience include:

o Oracle Exalytics & Exadata
o Cloud / PaaS Database technologies
o Backup & recovery

• The following skills being highly desirable:

o Broad understanding of development tools and technologies
o Broad understanding of platforms (servers, storage & cloud)
o Security technologies

• Demonstrate effective communication, both orally and in writing, with subordinates, colleagues,
clients and customers at all levels, both formally and informally – a strong communicator who develops relationships for mutual gain.
• Extensive knowledge of analytic techniques and methods and problem-solving skills
• Experience of the regulatory and audit requirements within an operational environment
• Sound database and middleware design experience in a technology organisation with history of delivering scalable, resilient systems and platforms
• Comfortable working with senior staff, both business and IT
• Experience of working with outsource partners and delivering solutions into support
• Awareness of project management methodologies, e.g. RUP, CMMi, Prince II, PMI
• Visibility of software development methodologies, e.g. waterfall, agile
• Experience of working with business and technology stakeholders
• Strong proven experience in a service operational role, with excellent stakeholder skills.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders at multiple levels, across both functional and matrix lines.
• Proven experience delivering continuous service & process improvements for the business.
• Proven experience working within 24/7 IT operational environment & coordinating major incidents.
• Experience managing suppliers delivering operational run services into an IT operations function.
• Strong influencer and negotiator, being able to bring teams together to engage in a common goal.
• Experience working with suppliers and 3rd party companies.
• Experience leading technical teams in at least two of the following areas: service desk, security, server, database, storage, or application support.
• Problem-solving skills with an emphasis on resolution of operational efficiencies and improvements
• Demonstrated ability to quickly understand complex systems.
• Ability to work on many tasks simultaneously in a high pressure-environment.
• Ability to interact with individuals on all organisational levels.
• The ability to understand and articulate the business and financial impact of proposed improvements and changes.
• Communication and collaboration skills to ensure that the business is kept informed through any improvement roadmap or innovation activity.

Education & Qualifications
• Related professional qualifications are beneficial, but not essential i.e., ITIL Version 3 and/or ITIL v3
Service Lifecycle Certification Service Design
Personal Characteristics
• A service orientated driven individual who is committed to continual service improvement.
• Effective time management skills: with the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritise tasks, shifting priorities, fluctuating workloads, deadline pressures.
• Good communication, influencing and analytical skills.
• Hardworking, resilient and flexible in the way you work.
• Enjoys building positive working relationships, engaging and influencing colleagues