Applications Lead

About the Job

Applications Lead

Location: Hybrid (working from the Shirley office 1-2 times a week)
Department: Digital – Central Support
Reports to: Applications Manager

About Linnaeus

Linnaeus is a forward-thinking partnership of highly respected primary care and referral veterinary practices across the UK and Ireland, comprising some of the best clinicians in the profession.

While each of our practices is unique, we’re united by two key principles — our commitment to excellence and our passion to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

We carefully select our partner practices to ensure the highest levels of patient care and foster a growing community of veterinary professionals who share our values. Across small animal, farm, and equine care, we’re proud to support a culture that’s collaborative, compassionate, and focused on continual improvement.

At Linnaeus, our Five Principles guide everything we do:

• Quality – We deliver the highest standards of care and service.
• Responsibility – We take ownership and act with integrity.
• Mutuality – We seek shared benefit for all stakeholders.
• Efficiency – We maximise the value of our resources.
• Freedom – We maintain independence to make the best decisions for pets and people.

The Role

As Linnaeus continues its exciting digital transformation journey, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Applications Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our technology estate.

You will drive continuous service improvement and support the applications team and landscape including legacy and new applications.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic digital team within a growing organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and evolve frameworks to translate stakeholder needs into effective technical solutions, including user stories, process maps, and technical requirements.
• Liaise with suppliers and third-party vendors to assess project proposals and ensure alignment with Linnaeus’ needs.
• Deputise for the Applications Manager, supporting escalations, resource allocation, and decision-making.
• Identify resource and skill requirements to support system activities.
• Define and document test processes to ensure successful technical delivery and solution validation.
• Supervise testing resources and ensure adherence to quality and risk management processes.
• Collaborate closely with technical teams to deliver system projects that meet business and technical requirements.
• Support and coordinate system upgrades and maintenance activities, ensuring standard operating procedures are followed.
• Ensure service transition processes are followed and that comprehensive support materials (training, FAQs, documentation) are available.
• Drive continuous service improvement and support the governance and structure of application projects.
• Assist in identifying and mitigating risks within the applications landscape.

Experience (Essential)

• 5+ years’ experience in IT Systems, leading application delivery.
• 3+ years’ experience in stakeholder management.
• Proven experience in requirements gathering, testing documentation, and managing delivery teams or resources.
• Strong understanding of Prince2, Agile, or DevOps methodologies.
• Experience in vendor management and risk/change management.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Strong grasp of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile/Scrum practices.
• Understanding of programming concepts, integrations, databases, and application security.
• Degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Familiarity with ITIL, DevOps, or Agile delivery frameworks (certifications desirable).

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organisational abilities.
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities.
• Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable mindset.
• Credible and confident in navigating change and influencing across teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity to contribute to a major digital transformation initiative.
• Supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture.

#LICP-1

#LI-HYBRID

Salary Value: £52,000 per annum;

Salary Description: Starting from, depending on experience;