Applications Analyst

Job Introduction

We have an exciting opportunity for an Applications Analyst to join our team. As the Applications Analyst you will implement functional application changes and releases aligned to the application roadmap and in accordance to agree processes, ensuring availability, capacity, performance and security levels are maintained.  As part of this role will also advise and educate the business on best practise use of the applications.

You will be a subject matter expert in core business applications used across the Card Factory Group. Responsible for investigating and resolving complex application related incidents and problems, working alongside other IT Teams.

To be successful in this role you will need to have proven experience in an application support role and experience with software analysis, testing and technical documentation. Excellent communications and customer service skills with the ability to distil technical information to a non-technical audience.

This is a hybrid role working from home and our Wakefield office, great links to the MI and free onsite parking.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide 3^rd line support for key business applications across the Card Factory Group
• Work with wider business and Technical Operations Team to ensure appropriate levels of capacity, availability, security and continuity is in place for all application components.
• Document and implement functional changes to key business applications
• Work with Testing Team and help coordinate user acceptance tests for new application releases to ensure the application functions as required and new functionality is in line with expected benefits
• Identify application requirements / improvement opportunities
• Work with the wider business, third parties and wider IT Team to build and implement new business solutions including data transformation and system integrations
• Collaborate with the broader IT team and third parties on new systems, changes and issues
• Assist in the training of users on key business applications supported by IT and produce training material where required
• Train users on the new operation of systems and provide support, including creating and maintaining user guides and other training materials.
• Manage environments in collaboration with wider team across all systems for development and testing

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The Ideal Candidate

• Motivated individual with a positive ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills  
• Works well under pressure with the ability to multi-task 
• Working knowledge Enterprise business software applications i.e. MS Dynamics AX, SAP
• Understanding of database technologies (MSSQL, SSIS, SSAS) including excellent working knowledge of creating, analysing and refactoring of SQL queries.
• Understands programming concepts and has the ability to read and understand what functionality a piece of code provides
• Ability to distil technical information to a non-technical audience
• Exposure to and understanding of:
  • EPOS Systems (PCMS Vision Commerce Suite desirable)
  • ERP Systems (Microsoft Dynamics AX (2009 /2012), OneAdvanced (OpenHR & OpenPeople))
  • Systems Integration and Data Transformation Platforms (Dell Boomi, SSIS)
  • Ecommerce Platforms (Sales Force Commerce Cloud)
  • Reporting Technologies (SSRS, Power BI)

• Capable of operating in a fast paced, changing environment;
• Flexibility to work outside of core hours when required to support the IT team in resolving major incidents and implementation of changes
• A full clean driving license is essential as travel between group sites may be required

About The Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greetings cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

cardfactory have just have been ranked as the UK's 3rd Best Big Company to Work For by Best Companies in their Q1 league tables, and placed 1st as the Best Big Retail Company to Work For in the sector league table.

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

Benefits

• Pension
• 15% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Retail Management Apprenticeship Programmes with local providers with access to a virtual internal network for learning together
• Discounted gym membership, mobile phone contracts, and car leasing
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

For any questions email: vacancies@cardfactory.co.uk (we do not accept CVs/Applications via email) 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.