Job title: IT Software Engineer

Department: Information Technology

Reporting to: Corporate Systems Manager

Grade: 5

Salary: £57,848 per annum

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

The Port of London Authority is expanding its software development team to support the modernisation of critical systems that support the operations of the PLA and keep traffic moving on the River Thames.

We are looking for an experienced software developer to join the team and help us improve and adapt our internal systems, expanding functionality and ensuring their longevity.

You will be working in a small team with direct contact with stakeholders and users. One of the key operational systems the team is responsible for is the in-house Port Management system. This software is written in the lo-code framework, Uniface. Prior Uniface experience is desirable but not required as training will be provided for a candidate with the right skillset, attitude and willingness to learn.

You will have a proven track-record in developing and delivering high quality enterprise business solutions using industry standard tools. You must be familiar with client/server and web technologies as well as being experienced in database administration. You will have a keen eye for detail, an enquiring mind and good inter-personal skills.

What we are looking for:

You will have:

• Degree in an IT, computer science, software development related discipline.
• 10+ years’ hands on experience in architecting, developing and supporting business applications in enterprise environments.

For this role, the criteria are:

• Proven delivery of enterprise solutions.   
• Strong knowledge and experience of supporting and maintaining a SQL database server environment and associated database management.  
• Technically proficient understanding of server-infrastructure, networking infrastructure, and cyber security infrastructure.
• Skills and ability to be the ‘go to expert’ within the team for all team members.
• Dynamic and self-motivated with excellent problem-solving capabilities and time management skills.
• Committed to self-development and continuing professional development to maintain, refresh and update relevant skills.
• Critical thinker with the ability to challenge appropriately and contribute to continual improvement.
• Able to develop effective working relationships and promote and encourage team working and efficient use of time and resources.
• Able to influence and negotiate at an individual, team and team to team level, with excellent customer-service skills.
• Able to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility including out-of-hours working.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Take business requirements from conception to implementation utilising the Uniface platform and the underlying SQL server infrastructure.
• Support other development activities where technical proficiency exists, such as web development, power platform development etc.
• Collaborate with engineers across the department to support team activities.
• Analyse user requirements recommending amendments where necessary.
• Define, specify and document requirements to enable specifications to be produced internally or to external suppliers in line with department project management guidance.
• Identify project inter-dependencies within the overall IT project portfolio and recommend an appropriate delivery roadmap.
• Support the development of and adhere to robust software development governance including, but not limited to, maintaining high quality version control and appropriate associated documentation.
• Diagnose and resolve problems in a professional and timely manner, including providing 3rd line technical support.
• Work closely with the Corporate Systems Manager and recommend improvements to systems.
• Undertake training and development to maintain specialism and act as a specialist.
• Contribute to the development and progression of colleagues within the whole team.
• Work in accordance with agreed service levels, department processes, policies and procedures.
• Work outside normal hours where operations are affected.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Medical Cash Plan
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

For further information or if you would like to have an informal chat about the position, please contact Michael Stevens (Corporate Systems Manager) on email Michael.Stevens@pla.co.uk.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.