IT Applications & Solutions Specialist

The IT Applications & Solutions Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of business applications, IT solutions, databases and websites.

The role covers the full application lifecycle, including requirements gathering, solution design, development, testing, deployment, performance optimisation, upgrades, operational support and decommissioning. It also involves maintaining comprehensive technical documentation, coordinating with technology vendors, supporting IT projects and ensuring compliance with applicable information security and governance standards.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal IT teams, business stakeholders, vendors and subsidiary offices to ensure reliable, secure and efficient technology operations.

Key Responsibilities

Application Development and Management

• Develop, maintain and enhance business applications, IT solutions and websites using appropriate technologies and programming languages.
• Gather business requirements and translate them into practical technical solutions.
• Design, code, debug, test and deploy applications in accordance with established development standards.
• Conduct software testing and quality assurance throughout the application development lifecycle.
• Manage application upgrades, enhancements, version updates and decommissioning activities.
• Maintain comprehensive application documentation, including solution architecture, technical specifications and data models.

Application Support and Performance Optimisation

• Provide ongoing technical support, troubleshooting and maintenance for business applications, databases and related IT solutions.
• Monitor application performance and implement improvements to usability, reliability, scalability and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process optimisation and technology improvements.
• Maintain application availability and ensure business requirements are met through effective support and maintenance practices.
• Support the implementation and testing of backup and recovery procedures to safeguard application data and ensure recoverability.

IT Security and Compliance

• Collaborate with the IT Security team to identify, assess and address application vulnerabilities and technical risks.
• Apply secure development practices and contribute to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of business systems.
• Support IT projects in accordance with applicable industry standards, internal policies and regulatory requirements, including relevant DESC Information Security Regulation (ISR) and ISO standards.
• Maintain accurate technical and operational documentation to support IT governance, security reviews and compliance assessments.

Database and Systems Support

• Support the maintenance, performance and availability of application databases.
• Assist with database design, data modelling, troubleshooting and optimisation.
• Apply a working knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems, network management, system administration and cloud computing to support business applications.
• Collaborate with infrastructure and IT operations teams to resolve technical issues and maintain seamless system integration.

Project and Vendor Management

• Assist with IT project planning, implementation, monitoring and documentation.
• Coordinate with technology vendors and service providers on solution delivery, technical support, maintenance agreements and contract management.
• Support IT procurement activities, including technical evaluations, purchasing documentation and vendor coordination.
• Maintain accurate IT department records, technical inventories and supporting documentation.
• Work with internal IT teams and business stakeholders to ensure projects and system enhancements are delivered effectively.

User Training and Stakeholder Support

• Provide application training and guidance to new employees.
• Conduct refresher training following significant system upgrades, enhancements or changes in functionality.
• Support subsidiary companies and remote offices with application-related requirements and technical issues.
• Deliver responsive customer service and communicate technical information clearly to users and stakeholders.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the Line Manager or Department Head.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in IT applications, software development, application support or a comparable IT role.
• Strong understanding of software development, application lifecycle management, database management and cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems, network management, system administration and cloud computing.
• Experience in application troubleshooting, testing, performance optimisation, upgrades and technical documentation.
• Ability to coordinate with vendors, support IT projects and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Desired Qualifications and Technical Competencies

• Relevant technical certifications, such as ITIL, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, AWS Cloud Practitioner, DevOps Associate, Linux Essentials or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong understanding of software development, database management, operating systems and IT support.
• Intermediate knowledge of network management, system administration, cloud computing, cybersecurity, UI/UX principles and virtualisation.
• Basic understanding of IT governance, ERP platforms and document management systems (DMS).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with application security, vulnerability management, backup and recovery procedures.
• Experience supporting enterprise applications across multiple business units, subsidiaries or remote locations is an advantage.