Director, Digital Systems at Save the Children

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the strategic direction for application development and SCI’s core operating systems, aligning with SCI's architectural principles and industry/vendor best practice to ensure future-ready, scalable, reliable and high-performing solutions.
• Manage diverse global software development and application management teams, fostering an inclusive environment where innovation is encouraged, and applications meet global needs efficiently.
• Embed the appropriate use of Agile methodologies into development processes, ensuring defined structured ways of working are in place and followed. Developing, coaching and educating team members, the wider IT team and key stakeholders as required. 
• Implement the principles of continuous improvement to enhance the SCI SDLC and maintain the move towards a Dev-Ops function.
• Work closely with the TDIT Leadership team to ensure the continuous improvement of core applications and IT platforms and the alignment of Digital Systems to our wider technology vision and TDIT direction.
• Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring that applications are able to continue to meet business requirements and maintain a reputation of reliability and trust within SCI and its partner members.
• Implement governance frameworks for vendor management and key stakeholders, ensuring that external partnerships align with SCI standards for quality and integrity.
• Drive security and compliance strategies within our digital systems, safeguarding data protection and aligning with SCI’s values for accountability and ethical practice.

Experience and Skills
Essential

• Extensive experience in leadership of IT functions including applications development and management.
• Proficient experience managing SDLC and solutions delivery through Agile.
• Considerable experience in in a fast-paced environment
• Significant experience working with non-technical staff, successfully translating and negotiating requirements into detailed technical specifications, handling complex technical specifications and managing priorities.
• Experience across diverse cultural contexts with a proven ability to deliver solutions internationally, working alongside offshore teams.
• Proficiency in understanding and implementing software design patterns and object-oriented principles.
• Solid understanding of development and QA processes, ensuring quality delivery of software solutions.
• Clear grasp of web services, SOA, APIs, and micro services architectures.
• Familiarity with application lifecycle management, test-driven development (TDD), and continuous integration.

Desirable

• Non-profit sector knowledge/experience
• Experience with ERP solutions (Oracle FMS preferred)

Education and Qualifications 
Essential

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field is preferred
• Equivalent practical experience may be considered
• Familiarity with configuration management and change management tools

Desirable

• Professional qualifications in project management (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master), Agile development, Testing and software development methodologies will be beneficial