Location

Southampton

About the job

Are you passionate about delivering excellent service?

Do you have an interest in system testing?

Can you use your quick-thinking skills to find solutions?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

Job description

You will play a pivotal role in future-proofing our Shared Services to ensure they meet the needs of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead on all testing activities to ensure that our system meets the needs of the end-users. You will be responsible for planning and coordinating all testing to achieve deadlines in readiness for live rollout.

You will be the first point of contact for the wider business, answering queries and providing expert advice where required.

This is a busy and diverse role where no two days are the same. If you enjoy variety in your working day, then this is the role for you!
 

Responsibilities

The key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Participate in all testing activity as set out in scenarios and scripts to an agreed schedule in relation to planned releases and system upgrades which may include System Integration testing, User acceptance testing, Performance testing and Parallel payroll runs, identify correct process and procedure and ensure the system functions correctly.

· Work with the external suppliers and internal business users to develop specific test scenarios, schedules and scripts as applicable to ensure the tests undertaken are relevant and provide the MCA with confidence that the deliverable will enhance the user experience and function correctly. Work with colleagues from HR, Finance, procurement and other key business areas to undertake detailed technical testing requirements.

· Work with the Change Delivery Lead to carry out a training needs analysis and develop training plans with supporting material and support the implementation of system training and the development/delivery of user guidance material. Contribute to the delivery and subsequent evaluation of training and communications to the business.

· Identify and report details of issues noted to the Change Delivery Lead as having wider significance or implications in the system functionality and provide regular reports on progress and clearly define any defects (and impacts) identified to feed into Release Management Update meetings.

· Manage the timely response to queries from the business raised through the ABW mailbox or by phone and provide additional one-to-one/ business team system guidance and support upon request. Plan and manage communication for the shared services website and other communication channels with the Change Delivery Lead.

· Use a robust understanding of the areas of work undertaken around the agency with teams and individuals in the organisation to identify and resolve system issues. Develop and utilise system knowledge to understand the impact of actions undertaken (RfC's, defect resolution, workarounds and user actions) to ensure system integrity and data quality is maintained.

· Support the identification of strategic options and opportunities for shared services enabled change in the business.

· Undertake general ABW system activities and provide support for the wider Finance and Audit Directorate.

Additional Information

This role will involve some occasional travel with the possibility of overnight stays.

The successful candidate may be required to work occasionally on a Sunday for testing purposes, typically 4-6 per year.

About You

We are looking for someone who has proven experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP) and software and has an interest in developing their knowledge within this testing and coordinating role.

You will be someone who naturally enjoys working collaboratively with different business areas and likes the challenge of influencing others to achieve business outcomes. You can build rapport quickly with both internal and external stakeholders which enables you to build solid working relationships.

We are looking for someone who is proactive in seeking resolutions and can resolve issues that arise through their quick thinking. You will have the determination and ability to see complex challenges through to completion.

You will have exceptional communication skills and can express yourself in a confident and concise manner with colleagues at all levels. You will represent the Agency in a professional and clear manner, ensuring key messages are delivered to both internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner. You will use a variety of communication skills, including verbal and written, and will tailor these to suit your audience.

To be successful in this role, you will be required to have good IT skills, particularly MS Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.
Find out what it's like to work at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Things you need to know

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus, and will be following central Government advice as it is issued. There is therefore a risk that recruitment to this post may be subject to change at short notice. In addition, where appropriate, you may be invited to attend a video interview.

Please continue to follow the application process as normal and ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.

The Civil Service Nationality Rules has been updated following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. The new rules will come into effect on 1st January 2021. We urge people from the EU, European Economic Area and Switzerland to be familiar with the updated Nationality rules prior to applying for this role.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and statement of suitability (1250 words). Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

When considering applying please look at how your experience relates to the role, and tailor your statement of suitability to reflect the role and the essential requirements listed below:

• Proven experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP) and software.

• Proven experience of working with a wide group of stakeholders at all levels both internal and external.

• The ability to present effectively, accurately and concisely both verbally and in writing.

• Experience in providing high-quality customer service.

The sift is due to take place w/c 24th May 2021

Interviews/assessments are likely to be held w/c 7th June 2021

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.

We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus and will be following central Government advice as it is issued. There is therefore a risk that recruitment to this post may be subject to change at short notice.

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment could include:

• an interview and a presentation.

You’re encouraged to become familiar with the role profile, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within.

Please see attached candidate notes for further information about our recruitment process.

To learn more about applying for a role within the Department for Transport, visit the Application Process page of our Careers website.

Before submitting your application, we encourage you to visit our Things You Need to Know page for further information about applying for a role within the Department for Transport and the Civil Service.

Further Information

To learn more about applying for a role within the Department for Transport, visit the Application Process page of our Careers website.

Before submitting your application, we encourage you to visit our Things You Need to Know page for further information about applying for a role within the Department for Transport and the Civil Service.

Throughout this job advert there are links to the DfT Careers website, which provides you further information to support your application. Should you be unable to access the information on our website, please email [email protected] for assistance.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name :   Anamika Soni Email :   [email protected]   Recruitment team : Email :   [email protected] Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/) to visit Civil Service Commission