Applications Specialist

Sword Group; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sword Group in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Applications Portfolio Manager to lead discovery, design and implementation phases of an M&A-driven transformation. You will assess applications architecture, build roadmaps, and shape the transition to a To-Be state across core business areas.

The role requires strong leadership in IT infrastructure, systems integration, and vendor management, with a focus on security, compliance, and knowledge transfer to client teams.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of a wide range of applications across core business areas such as Operations, Reporting and Control/Management applications.
• Understanding deployment and infrastructure models.
• Experience as applications lead or portfolio manager in large-scale M&A projects.
• Familiarity with different applications delivery models and vendor management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and client-focused skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess applications architecture, strategy and build a roadmap.
• Create an application landscape and a transitional road map.
• Identify critical applications and set priorities accordingly.
• Support system implementation, configuration, and integration projects.
• Provide technical expertise to ensure security and operational standards.
• Deliver training and knowledge transfer to client teams.

Skills

Applications portfolio management

IT infrastructure

System integration

Stakeholder engagement

M&A experience

Security & compliance

Job description

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, dedicated to driving transformational change for our clients. We leverage proven technology, specialist teams, and extensive domain expertise to create robust technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. Our mission is fueled by a passion for technology as a means to solve complex business problems and achieve our clients' objectives.

About the role:

• Supporting an M&A activity covering detail Discovery phase then moving to a design and implementation phase moving towards a day-1 To-Be state.
• Assess applications architecture, strategy and build roadmap.
• Create an application landscape and an application transitional road map.
• Be able to identify critical applications and make necessary priority.
• Support system implementation, configuration, and integration projects.
• Provide technical expertise to ensure compliance with security and operational standards.
• Deliver training and knowledge transfer to client teams.

Requirements

Knowledge and full understanding of a wide range of applications attributable across all core business areas including but not limited to:

• Operations, Production & Maintenance
• Reporting
• Control/management applications
• Understanding of deployment and infrastructure models
• Previous roles as applications lead or applications portfolio manager in large scale M&A projects
• Understand different applications delivery models
• Experience with software vendors management
• Excellent understanding of IT infrastructure, integration technologies, and system architecture
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a client-focused approach
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can't promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don't tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we're looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.