Global Data Developer - Johannesburg, South Africa - Dentons

Description

The Global Business Technology (GBT) department is essential to meet the Firm's strategic vision. We help to align technology services with the Firm's objectives. This alignment is essential for providing excellent service and value to the firm and its stakeholders. The Firmwide technology function mirrors the firm's Verein structure, balancing the delivery of standardized global services enabled by GBT with tailored local solutions offered by local technology teams. This approach reflects the firm's strategy of building an integrated global law firm, while also recognizing the unique needs of individual local firms. Since its establishment in 2016, GBT has become an integral component of the firm's support infrastructure, relied upon by Verein Members and Affiliates (VMAs). The team, now spanning over 50 members across 12 countries, has seen significant development with its adoption of best practices across various disciplines such as project management, IT service management, and technology operations, highlighted by the introduction of the Central Technology Support (CTS) service.

GBT's role and mission have adapted to support the firm's strategic decisions, such as enabling an integrated firm ethos, maintaining a single brand promise, and supporting growth. The objective is to support and enable crossborder client work. These strategic choices required a technology team with a global focus to enable and support a unified domain, embrace early cloud adoption, implement shared systems, and develop a common digital platform for global integration and collaboration. This has led to the creation of systems that aggregate data for client and people management and support cross-border incentive programs. Global Business Technology is shaped by industry best practices and is designed to optimize technology delivery within the firm's Federated IT model. The team is structured around four core groups: Global Technology Programs, Global Data & Application Services, Global Technology Services, and Global Commercial Services. Each group is responsible for specific areas of technology and business, ensuring effective collaboration and clear accountability. This structure enables GBT to focus on delivering on its promise of Service Excellence.

Role

The Global Data Developer is a crucial member of the Global Data Services group, playing a pivotal role in leading the integration of data across all global business systems. This role involves managing regional data structures and ensuring smooth integration to and from global data repositories. Operating with a combination of cloud and on-premises solutions, the Global Data Developer assumes a key responsibility in the selection of future integration and database technologies for Dentons. Close collaboration with solution designers, database administrators, and global/regional leadership and technology teams is essential to effectively address integration requirements. Success in this position can only be achieved by building a culture of collaboration across the team, with colleagues throughout GBT, and fostering positive relationships with local technology teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Assume responsibility for executing development and software maintenance tasks related to data services projects and support global developments and integrations with the Global Data Services Manager.

• Enhancing and maintaining global and regional data repositories.

• Identify and document technical requirements for global software initiatives.

• Ensure compatibility of new software solutions with existing systems, following Dentons' technology playbook and data architecture principles.

• Follow best practices for development such as the Dentons Development Framework, Dev Ops etc.

• Foster a culture of Service Excellence and adopt best practices based on ITIL best practices.

• Lead data related discussions with Dentons partners and provide technical guidance for compliance with Dentons' data and integration requirements.

• Assume a leading role in defining and executing tasks and targets for the information architecture advisory group, ensuring adherence to firmwide guidelines.

• Develop data structures, API methods, and integration frameworks.

• Establish and maintain well-documented descriptions of the firm's key metrics.

• Provide insights into developing technology trends, particularly in data and integration with the integration of AI.

Requirements

Skills and Competencies

The Global Data Developer must demonstrate a diverse set of skills and competencies to enable effective collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement on a global scale.

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of global IT infrastructure and data design principles.

• Solid experience writing complex SQL queries, investigating performance issues, and coordinating system updates.

• Knowledge and experience developing systems using both relational and non-relational (NoSQL) databases.

• Experience using C#.NET, Node JS, TypeScript, , React, Angular is an asset.

• Experience with MS Azure, Data Factory, Logic Apps, Power Apps (preferred).

• Experience with IntApp Integrate, Dell Boomi (preferred).

• Solid development skills with desire to learn new and emerging technologies.

• Extended knowledge of technical aspects behind data extraction and integration, including database queries and API use.

• Extensive experience integrating data from disparate data sources (File systems, SFTP, Web).

• Continually re-evaluate integration solutions and principles ensuring best practices are applied.

• Attention to detail for managing complex data challenges and delivering solutions efficiently.

• Understanding of machine learning and AI concepts.

• Experience with using DevOps is an asset

. Personal Skills / Attributes

• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

• Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.

• Passion and natural curiosity to learn about and experiment with new tools and techniques.

• Ability to work well within a remote, multicultural team environment, collaborating with others to develop and challenge ideas.

• Excellent customer/client-facing skills.

• Positive attitude and ability to interact positively at all levels within the firm.

• Ability to understand business needs and translate them into technical solutions.

• Demonstrated initiative and proactive anticipation of needs.

• Understanding the value of data and ability to increase value through initiative and proposition.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, thinking outside the box.

• Methodical approach to work with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, consistency, and quality.

• Appreciation of documentation and well-defined procedures.

• Ability to work under pressure to tight project deadlines, adapting to differing demands, prioritizing tasks appropriately, and ensuring complete 'follow-through' on operational issues.

• Ability to be an ambassador for Dentons and maintain a professional outlook, attitude, and appearance.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Experience with Application Architecture Frameworks.

• Experience with Application Development Design Patterns.

• Experience with Agile Software Development an asset.

• Mobile development – iOS, Android, HTML5 an asset.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving acumen.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Language Capabilities / International Experience

We are a truly global law firm and as such, always welcome individuals with foreign language capabilities. Additionally, we welcome individuals with a global background including professional experience gained across different geographies