Integration Lead - NS&I - SEO

Are you ready to lead technical integration in a fascinating environment? NS&I are seeking an Integration Lead to drive seamless solutions in our IT Solutions Delivery Team. You’ll guide design, development, and help the deployment of scalable integrations, collaborating with developers and analysts to deliver premium results.

We’re looking for someone who has a passion for driving technical innovation and delivering seamless integration solutions, thriving on leading technical projects that shape the future of enterprise IT systems. If you feel this sounds like you, NS&I has the perfect opportunity for you!

Come and join our IT Solutions Delivery Team!. In this exciting role, you will be at the forefront of our technical integration efforts, leading the design, development, and deployment of robust, scalable integration solutions.

If you’re ready to take on a pivotal role in transforming our IT landscape and driving integration excellence, we want to hear from you!

Job description

NS&I is currently looking for an Integration Lead to join the IT Solutions Delivery Team and augment the Technical Integration delivery capability. While NS&I relies on and trusts its suppliers to provide the project execution capabilities, it is also building a team responsible for leading the design, development, and deployment of robust and scalable integration points.

Enthusiastic about all aspects related to delivering a quality outcome, this role will play a critical role in realising the business and IT needs by overseeing the technical integration aspects of project and by providing guidance and direction to integration developers, system analysts, and other API specialists. This role will closely work with technical integration stakeholders to understand integration specifications to ensure chosen solutions align with DDaT principles, government security standards, and integration best practices.

The role will report into the Head of IT Solutions and the post holder will work closely with the Transformation Programmes and BAU Portfolio, contributing directly to the efficiency and effectiveness of the enterprise. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about and able to demonstrate:

• Thought leadership and best practices in the technical integration domain.
• Lead the technical integration vision and execution of complex IT solutions, ensuring they align with our business goals and technological integration roadmap.
• Collaborative mind-set to work with various stakeholders within NS&I as well as with stakeholders in a multi-supplier environment.

Key Responsibilities

As experienced Technical Integration Lead, this pivotal role, will lead the technical aspects of integrating various applications and systems through APIs and other integration mediums. The role holder will ensure oversight of seamless data flow and smooth communication between internal and external systems to enable efficient and automated business processes.

The Integration lead will also provide expert guidance and leadership to technical integration development teams, fostering a collaborative environment that delivers innovative and high-quality solutions. This role will provide technical integration linked steering in multi-vendor engagement by aligning to the enterprise systems technical roadmap among other associated enterprise standards.

• Establish & maintain appropriate integration patterns considering scalability, security, and performance needs of solutions.
• Help supplier(s) in translating business requirements into clear and concise technical integration specifications.
• Lead the development and implementation process, ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Technically, lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative and cost-effective IT solutions.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technologies to optimise the IT infrastructure.
• Lead and mentor technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with technical stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and desired outcomes using technical solutions.
• Manage technical integration risks associated with projects and develop mitigation strategies.
• Oversee technical integration aspect of project timelines, budgets, and technical resource allocation.
• Work collaboratively with Enterprise Architecture, Development, Operations, and Security teams to ensure successful solution deployment and ongoing maintenance.
• Stay up to date on the latest IT trends and technologies relevant to the financial industry.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including architecture diagrams and solution roadmaps.

Management, coordination and other

• Manage and mitigate risks associated with integrations and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Participate in proof-of-concept (POC) development and testing to ensure solution effectiveness.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to understand integration needs and ensure successful communication throughout the integration lifecycle.
• Oversee API testing, ensuring functionality, performance, and security compliance.
• Work in close partnership with cross-functional teams and management.
• Determine process improvements, best practices, and develop new ones as applicable.
• Establish reports & perform reviews with partners for technical services.
• Effective RAID management for the technical integration deliverables.
• Provide expert technical guidance and leadership to development teams, fostering a collaborative environment that delivers innovative and high-quality solutions.
• NB. The above-mentioned duties are not inclusive or exhaustive. The post holder may be called upon to carry out such other appropriate duties as may be required within the grading level of the post and the competence of the post holder.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• (Lead Criteria) In-depth knowledge of API design principles (RESTfulAPIs, OpenAPI etc.), data mapping techniques, and integration best practices.Using scoring.
• Experience with various integration tools and technologies (e.g., API gateways, message brokers, ETL tools).
• Understanding of data security principles and practices to ensure secure data exchange through APIs.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies (Agile, Waterfall etc.).
• Experience with various programming languages and technologies relevant to the financial industry (e.g., Java, Python, cloud platforms etc.).
• Practiced leadership and mentoring skills to inspire and guide technical teams.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective time management skills to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

Essential technical knowledge

• Working experience in architect/designer/SME with exposure to Banking and/or Payment’s areas
• Understanding of various integration methodologies (API-led, event-driven etc.) and experience working with cross-functional teams (development, operations, security).
• Experience using data mapping techniques and tools.
• Exposure in large scale transformation programmes in at least one of the following: core banking transformation, digital transformation, or business transformation.

 Desirable Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, with relevant post qualification experience in IT integration or a related role and a proven track record of successfully implementing API integration.

Technical skills

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

• Understanding of various integration methodologies (API-led, event-driven etc.) and experience working with cross-functional teams (development, operations, security)
• Exposure in large scale transformation programmes in at least one of the following: core banking transformation, digital transformation, or business transformation.
• you will be asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation aimed at demonstrating: In-depth knowledge of API design principles (RESTful APIs, OpenAPI etc.), data mapping techniques, and integration best practices