The Software Development Manager leads the Systems team of the Transport Technology Department and ensures appropriate design oversight of systems developed and provided by third party suppliers, as well as developing and maintaining the various inhouse applications and test tools. This role encompasses both technical leadership and people management responsibilities. A key responsibility will be to develop the teams skillsets and identify potential innovation opportunities for the team as it is anticipated that the importance of the embedded software elements shall gradually diminish, and cloud-based applications become dominant. Key Accountabilities Ensures that the NGT supplier successfully integrates with the Leap Card scheme using the NTAs vSCIM libraries. Reviews the technical design of systems provided by external suppliers and ensure that the implemented system satisfies NTAs technical requirements and specifications. Initiates projects by securing internal buy-in from senior managers and directors for implementing new systems, new applications, or major changes. Initiates public procurements as required to secure technical resources, systems and/or advice. Liaise with internal departments and teams (e.g. ICT, PMO) as required to ensure implementation of the appropriate technical designs. Manages and develops the team including identifying training requirements and performing performance reviews. Brings expertise and technical leadership to bear to solve problems and technical challenges. Assigns team members to projects and initiatives. Ensures team has the applications, access rights (e.g. sandbox) and developments tools necessary to complete their tasks. Manages technical resource supply contract and secures appropriate resources and skillsets as required to deliver initiatives. Manages the interface with the Operations team. Ensures the ongoing support and development of the inhouse applications. Identifies innovation opportunities including proof-of-concept developments, technology trials and other developments or enhancements that could improve the customer offering. Skills Software development team management experience. Technical analysis and ability to write technical specifications suitable for inclusion in contracts and public procurement competitions. Exemplary communication skills, able to explain technical matters clearly and precisely to both non-technical senior colleagues as well as to technical colleagues and external suppliers. Highly motivated and enthusiastic can work on own initiative. Takes ownership of issues and tasks. Building collaborative relationships with peers, colleagues, and suppliers. High degree of personal integrity and determination. Note:The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The person appointed require the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the Authority. Essential Criteria Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your application. Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages. Each candidate must meet the following requirements at the time of the competition closing: Hold a minimum of a NFQ level 8 degree qualification in a relevant discipline, being software engineering or information technology; Have at least 7 years satisfactory experience developing for transaction processing systems, financial systems, or related systems; Have at least 3 years experience managing people; Have sufficient experience of android/mobile technologies; Have sufficient experience of multiple cloud computing platforms; Have a solid understanding of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, including how RFID tags, readers, and antennas work. This includes knowledge of frequency bands, signal propagation, and data transmission protocols used in RFID systems; Have hands-on experience of embedded development using either C or C++; Have knowledge of Security Protocols and Cryptography, e.g. DES, AES.; and Have experience of embedded systems and microcontroller programming ideally for RFID. Desirable Criteria Please note: Should further shortlisting be required after essential criteria above, a selection of the following may be assessed. The ideal candidate will also have: Familiarity with standards and protocols related to NFC, contactless and contact smart cards and understanding how smart cards communicate with readers (e.g., ISO/IEC 7816 APDU - Application Protocol Data Units and ISO/IEC 14443) and how to manage secure transactions over these communication channels; Knowledge of Operating Systems Kernel, and in particular driver development; Smart Card Filesystems and their differences in terms of format, protocol, internal arrangement, and security features, e.g. NXP Mifare DESFire; Experience with using Flash and FeRAM memory types in embedded hardware; Experience with microcontrollers programming, ideally ARM 32bit; Experience of software development using Python; Experience of public procurement including requirements definition and tender assessments; Experience of outsourced systems development and implementation projects as client technical representative; Experience of implementing and/or complying with PCI-DSS; Have experience of Transport Technologies such as ticketing systems, AVL and/or RTPI; and Excellent oral and written interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively advocate for the Systems Team and explain complex technical information to a non-technical audience. Skills: Plans and prioritises work in terms of importance Has a clear understanding of the roles objectives Is focused on self-development