About the Directorate
The IT & Digital (IT&D) Directorate is dedicated to shaping the future of Manchester Metropolitan University by co-creating innovative ways of working, enhancing productivity, simplifying processes, fostering innovation, and delivering actionable insights to drive continuous improvement. As the University embraces a digital future within the context of a modern institution, you will collaborate closely with academic and Professional Services colleagues to deliver digital solutions aimed at achieving the University’s strategic goals in teaching and research, both nationally and globally.
About the Department
The Software Engineering Department within IT&D is responsible for the development, maintenance, support, and administration of approved software applications deployed throughout Manchester Metropolitan University. These applications span across various digital portfolios, including Campus Experience, Digital Workplace, Education, Finance, and the Student Lifecycle.
The team operates in a hybrid working model, with on-site “anchor days” taking place every Thursday.
About the Team
The Integrations and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) team brings together expertise in software engineering, system integration, and intelligent automation. This combined team plays a critical role in enabling smarter, faster, and more collaborative workflows across the University.
Our Integrations function, developed in partnership, is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining services that facilitate seamless communication between systems—ensuring that data is delivered securely and accurately where and when it’s needed. Utilizing Microsoft Azure Integration Services, we offer highly secure, scalable, and reliable integrations supporting a wide range of operations, from student administration to classroom technologies.
In parallel, our RPA expertise leverages Blue Prism Cloud to deploy digital workers that automate repetitive, rule-based tasks, such as confirming Fee Status for new applicants. By automating these workflows, we free up valuable staff time, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistency across processes.
Our team remains committed to employing modern engineering practices, driving continual improvement, and tackling complex challenges with innovative solutions. Joining us means playing a key role in transformative projects that directly impact the digital experience of students, academic staff, and Professional Services employees across the University.
About the Role
This role serves as both a strategic and technical lead within the University’s IT&D Directorate, with a focus on delivering high-quality enterprise integration and automation solutions to improve operational efficiencies and elevate the student experience. You will oversee a cross-functional team comprising software engineers, business analysts, and QA professionals to drive excellence in development, architecture, and agile delivery. At the same time, you’ll ensure adherence to governance and regulatory compliance standards.
As an influential figure within the organization, you’ll collaborate with academic and Professional Services stakeholders, shape technology strategies, and advocate for innovative approaches to support the University’s objectives across teaching, research, and digital transformation.
Key Responsibilities
To excel in this role, your responsibilities will include:
- Providing technical leadership for integrations and RPA solutions, ensuring adherence to best practices in architecture, development, and deployment.
- Leading and managing your team within Software Engineering, including recruitment, mentoring, and performance management.
- Partnering effectively with external collaborators in integrations and RPA to deliver optimal services and solutions.
- Delivering projects using agile methodologies, resolving challenges, and ensuring alignment with IT strategy.
- Driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and tools while maintaining high standards of governance compliance and quality assurance.
- Engaging stakeholders and vendors to design secure, integrated solutions that advance strategic objectives.
- Supporting strategic planning, resource management, and change initiatives.
- Staying informed about emerging technologies and sharing insights to foster innovation across the team and the wider University.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Degree or professional qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline.
- Extensive experience as a senior developer, principal developer, or technical lead.
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, including developers, business analysts, and testers.
- Demonstrable expertise in C#, .NET, RESTful APIs, SOAP services, and integration patterns.
- Practical application of enterprise integration patterns, Domain-Driven Design (DDD), and Event-Driven Architecture with Microsoft Azure Integration Services.
- Strong understanding of loose coupling, high cohesion, and eventual consistency as they relate to the design of robust system integrations.
- Proficiency with Azure components such as Logic Apps, Functions, and Service Bus.
- Experience with message queues, particularly Azure Service Bus.
- Familiarity with source control platforms (e.g., Git, GitHub) and sound branching strategies.
- Experience establishing CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
Desirable:
- Experience leading DevOps practices across development and operations teams.
- Hands-on experience with RPA platforms such as UiPath, Blue Prism, or NICE.
- Background in implementing test automation tools and practices.
- Profound understanding of TDD and BDD environments.
- Certification: Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204).
- Expertise in building resilient, secure, and scalable solutions.
Assessment Process
If you’d like to explore this exciting opportunity, visit the university’s website via the ‘Apply’ button to read the full Job Description and Candidate Pack.
Applications must include a CV and a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Assessment will occur in two stages:
- Stage 1: Informal chat scheduled on December 18, 19, or 22.
- Stage 2: Panel interview during the week of January 5 for shortlisted candidates.
Please note, due to high application volumes, vacancies may close early. Ensure to apply promptly to secure consideration.
Inclusivity at Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Met is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values equity, diversity, and belonging. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals, disabled persons, and LGBTQ communities.
We additionally provide flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and tailored support to empower staff. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader, and applicants meeting essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview upon request.
Recruitment Agency Notice
The University collaborates exclusively with approved recruitment agencies for hiring purposes and does not accept speculative applications from agencies outside this list