Software Systems Designer

NFU Mutual; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Software System Designer to enhance its IT applications. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with internal teams and external partners in designing innovative solutions that meet user needs. With a hybrid working model, you'll enjoy the flexibility of working up to 80% from home while contributing to the creation and maintenance of design patterns. Your expertise in IT system design and software development will be crucial in guiding projects from concept to delivery, ensuring alignment with design principles and stakeholder expectations. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and inclusivity, and make a significant impact in the financial services sector.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in IT system design and software development.
• Proficiency in prototyping and wireframing.
• Experience in financial services or insurance environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to design and prototype IT solutions.
• Evaluate IT system requirements and produce design documents.
• Support the transition of solutions into business operations.

Skills

IT system design

software development

prototyping

stakeholder management

communication skills

Education

IT-related degree

Tools

Guidewire

ITIL

Job description

Software System Designer

• A great opportunity to help design our IT applications
• Provide key input into the creation and maintenance of design patterns
• Hybrid working model: up to 80% homeworking, with 20% in Stratford-upon-Avon

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Software System Designer to join our IT Division at NFU Mutual. Reporting to the Solution Design Lead, your main responsibilities will include collaborating with internal teams and external partners to design, prototype, and guide the delivery of solutions that meet user needs, align with our design principles, and adhere to Brand Guidelines. You will communicate design solutions to delivery teams and stakeholders, support problem-solving, facilitate consensus, and assist in the build process.

You will thoroughly understand, evaluate, and challenge IT system requirements from Subject Matter Experts, ensuring they are complete and clear to produce effective low-level design documents and accurate development estimates. You will explore all potential options for solutions, make informed recommendations, and prepare Solution Design Leads and Solution Designers for decision-making at relevant boards. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and outsourced providers will be key to ensuring efficient delivery of Group IT activities.

You will contribute to the creation and maintenance of design patterns, promoting best practices. Additionally, you will support the transition of solutions into business-as-usual operations and assist in resolving live technical incidents and system issues. Continuous development of your skills and behaviors that enhance the value of the solution design function is also expected.

About you

To succeed as a Software System Designer, you should possess both technical expertise and soft skills. Excellent communication skills and experience in building relationships with stakeholders at all levels are essential. You should be able to explain complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. A dynamic, independent thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, using judgment and initiative to drive progress, is ideal. Experience in influencing senior stakeholders and managing workload within tight deadlines is important, along with an understanding of integrated systems and applications.

Qualifications and experience required include:

• Extensive relevant experience in IT system design and/or software development
• Proficiency in prototyping/wireframing
• Experience working within an ITIL environment
• Guidewire system design experience (desirable)
• An IT-related degree or equivalent industry experience
• Experience in financial services, insurance, investments, or pensions environments (desirable)

Note: Internally, this role is called IT System Designer.

NFU Mutual values diversity and inclusivity. We support candidates with barriers during recruitment, are a Disability Confident Employer, and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.