Company descriptionLocation: Cardiff (hybrid working 2 office days per week)Employment Type: Permanent, full timeAdditional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical InsuranceThink the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Database (DB) & Middleware Delivery Lead means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.#LI-HybridThis is the jobAre you ready to take the lead in revolutionising our database and middleware technology? We are on the hunt for a passionate and innovative DB & Middleware Delivery Lead to join our dynamic IT Operations team. In this pivotal role, you’ll spearhead the proactive design and management of our cutting-edge database and middleware systems. You'll be the go-to expert, providing critical support and guidance to our outsourced partners, and collaborating closely with our IT Delivery teams to craft new and exciting database and middleware solutions.Your mission? To maximise the value of our existing investments while pioneering new technology solutions that align with industry best practices and our Enterprise Architecture (EA) standards. If you're driven by a desire to make a tangible impact and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!What will I be doing?Plan and manage the roadmap for database and middleware, including ongoing refresh and enhancements in line with EA standards.Oversee product licensing and forecast the total cost of ownership of the middleware platform.Implement database and middleware technology, including technical debt remediation and enhancements, delivered by AA or third-party resources.Ensure operational stability of database and middleware, providing input to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and managing patching and monitoring strategies with outsource partners.Act as an escalation point for Major Incident Management (MIM) and Level 2-4 support, and maintain technical awareness of market developments.Produce and review database and middleware designs that align with EA standards, and collaborate with Project Managers to identify the right technology at the right cost.What do I need?Proven experience in leading or being a subject matter expert in a database and middleware design function, with technical expertise in Oracle, Microsoft SQL, JBoSS, and Weblogic. Experience with Oracle Exalytics & Exadata, Cloud/PaaS Database technologies, and backup & recovery is beneficial.A strong people leader with the ability to directly manage a diverse group of talented individuals both onshore and offshore. Skilled at uniting teams to work towards a common goal, with a proven track record of delivering continuous service and process improvements for the business.Experience working within a 24/7 IT operational environment, with a broad understanding of development tools, platforms (servers, storage & cloud), and security technologies.Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to develop relationships for mutual gain, and extensive knowledge of analytic techniques, problem-solving skills, and experience with regulatory and audit requirements within an operational environment.Comfortable working with senior staff, both business and IT, and experience working with outsource partners. Awareness of project management methodologies (e.g., RUP, CMMi, Prince II, PMI) and software development methodologies (e.g., waterfall, agile).Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage shifting priorities and fluctuating workloads, influencing, and analytical skills, and a service-oriented mindset with a commitment to continual service improvement.Additional informationWe’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying schemeWorksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contributionFree AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friendsDiscounts on AA products including car and home insuranceEmployee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and moreCompany funded life assuranceDiverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your careerDedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your familyPlus, so much more!We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.#LI-HH