IT Applications Analyst

Role Summary 

We’re on a mission to become the best service area operator in the UK and we see technology as a key enabler.  Across our 52 service areas we operate world-class brands such as Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, Subway, Waitrose and WHSmith.  We have 31 Ramada and Days Inn hotels, run our own fuel forecourts, and are at the forefront of the Electric Vehicle revolution.  

We’re investing in world-class technologies to match and have an exciting roadmap ahead.  From networks and infrastructure to applications and data we’ll be using technology to support the continued growth of our business, drive innovation, and surprise and delight the 85 million people that visit our sites every year. 

At the core of this are our applications, and as we enter the next exciting phase of Welcome Break’s evolution, we’re looking for an IT Application Analyst to join our growing IT team. 

This newly created role will help manage the Application landscape at Welcome Break providing support, governance and continuous improvement initiatives to existing and future Applications and processes. Working with external partners, and acting as a trusted partner to the business, the role will focus on core applications such as POS, Inventory and People with future expansion into Digital Apps and other areas.  

Responsibilities 

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  Drive the evolution and adoption of applications through the defined Application Strategy and Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) process, focusing on operational simplification and efficiency improvements. 

  
  

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  Contribute to the evolution of the IT Applications function and its Operating Model, ensuring alignment with future business needs and changes in the application landscape. 

  
  

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  Help manage relationships with third-party software providers and support partners to ensure optimal service, including supporting contract management, performance monitoring, budgeting, and cost control. 

  
  

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  Ensure governance is maintained to support application security and adherence to IT Policies and Control Frameworks. Coordinate IT Audit activities related to the application portfolio. 

  
  

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  Create and maintain application documentation, including technical and functional documentation. 

  
  

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  Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of applications, working with internal and third-party teams from new projects through to end-of-life and legacy decommissioning. 

  
  

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  Partner with and support Application Owners; translate business requirements and support process optimisation by leveraging Application enhancements. 

  
  

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  Act, where needed, as the Applications SME and best practice champion, supporting key business projects and driving the adoption of new, efficient working methods through clear communication and collaboration. 

  
  

Key stakeholders 

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  Application Business Owners 

  
  

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  External IT Vendors 

  
  

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  Operations and Site Finance teams 

  
  

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  Commercial team and Commercial brand managers 

  
  

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  Finance and People teams 

  
  

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  Local and Group IT Teams and technical resources 

  
  

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  End Users 

  
  

Performance measures 

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  Adherence to IT Policies and Control Framework 

  
  

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  Quality and completeness of Applications documentation 

  
  

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  Sustained application lifecycle management 

  
  

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  Adherence to IT Control frameworks and IT Audit results 

  
  

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  Measurable process improvements 

  
  

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  Positive stakeholder feedback 

  
  

Qualifications, knowledge and experience 

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  Experience working in a similar role, ideally within the Retail or Hospitality sector. 

  
  

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  Understanding of IT and Enterprise Applications and Application Lifecycle Management. 

  
  

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  Experience within a complex, large scale, multi-site Enterprise Application environment 

  
  

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  Previous exposure to Application implementation projects such as ERP, POS & HRIS. 

  
  

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  Experience in Governance, Risk, and Controls (GRC) in relation to Applications 

  
  

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  Experience in third-party management including contract, performance and cost controls. 

  
  

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  Ability to work under pressure, meeting tight deadlines whilst remaining results driven 

  
  

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  High attention to detail 

  
  

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  Exceptional communication, business-partnering, and influence skills, with the ability to translate the complex to the simple at all levels 

  
  

Core competencies 

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  Taking ownership – treating the business as if we own it 

  
  

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  Great Communication - drives our success 

  
  

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  Results – we focus on achieving great results through our performance 

  
  

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  Teamwork – working as one team 

  
  

Competencies, Operating style and behaviours 

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  Is obviously passionate about their role 

  
  

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  Gets things executed and done - “Can Do!” 

  
  

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  Can energise and influence others 

  
  

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  Is obviously passionate about their role 

  
  

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  Works well and is calm under pressure 

  
  

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  Delivery focused 

  
  

Other information 

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  Competitive Salary and benefits package including: 

  
  

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  Annual Bonus Scheme 

  
  

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  Contributory pension 

  
  

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  On-site daily meal allowance 

  
  

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  Discount at our brand units and discounted hotel rooms for you and your family 

  
  

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  Discounts from 1000s of high street stores via MyWelcomeBreak. 

  
  

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  Structured career path and bespoke training 

  
  

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  Milton Keynes Head Office with flexible and hybrid working options