GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE:
Systems Planner
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION/BRANCH:
IT Services
SECTION/UNIT:
Systems Planning
GRADE:
H/I (career grade)
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Technical Co-ordinator
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Team members as appropriate
AIM OF JOB:
Develop and implement physical technical solutions
from logical IT architectectural design to enable the
integration and delivery of all the Force’s IT products
and services.
OVERALL PURPOSE
To develop, plan, implement and document Technical Architecture
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To plan, document and implement IT infrastructure systems based on logical architecture
designs including the production, interpretation and monitoring of test plans to verify correct
operation of systems against design.

To liaise with internal and 3rd party Systems Architects, and others as necessary, to develop
systems through proof of concept and pilot stages to the final design.

To work with multi-functional teams in the planning for implementation of live systems.

To understand IT technical architectures in the areas of networking and mobile solutions,
computer hardware, storage platforms, client and server operating software, security products
and middleware and the implications of their integration and implementation within GMP’s
overall IT technical architecture.

To be familiar with database products, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL server and
Domino/Notes, and be conversant with the implications of their implementation and
integration within GMP’s overall IT technical architecture.

To apply the principles and practices associated with Business and Service Continuity
ensuring that IT technical solutions are implemented to the appropriate standard to deliver the
levels of resilience required by the Force.

To be aware of industry "best practice" and to interprete and develop this where appropriate
into specific IT technical solutions suitable for use in GMP.
Systems Planner – Systems Planning
June 2009

To liase with staff at various levels within the IT Department, suppliers (e.g. Airwave), 3rd
Parties (e.g. NPIA) and customers.

To supervise the work of less experienced members of staff and 3rd party contractors as
necessary.

To use a variety of communication methods including meetings, workshops, written
documentation, and presentations for requirements gathering, to explain systems solutions
and explore implementation strategies.

To produce documentation to a high standard, including designs, specifications and other
materials suitable for use in proposals, procurements, and subsequent implementations.

To assist in the IT Branch quality assurance process with particular reference to ensuring the
viablity of third party proposals, identifying any inconsistances or mismatches with GMP’s
technical architecture.

To assist in the production of project plans with particular reference to ensuring adequate
provision is made for those elements concerning all aspects of the IT Technical architecture
design processes and subsequent implementation.

To assist with IT problem, capacity and performance management activities as required.

To represent the Force at meetings with suppliers, 3rd parties and customers as required.

To promote and comply with GMP's policies on equal opportunities and health and safety
both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others.

To be responsible for improving your performance by participating in the Performance
Appraisal process with your manager.

To ensure compliance with statutory requirements in relation to information management
including the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Code of
Practice on Management of Police Information 2005, as appropriate

To comply with the requirements of GMP's policies on Drug and Alcohol testing –
requirements in respect of specific posts/ roles are described in the policies which are
available on the Force Intranet.

To carry out such other duties which are consistent with the nature, responsibilities and
grading of the post.
NOTES
This job description records the principal responsibilities of the job at the date shown. The job
description will be updated from time to time in conjunction with the post holders to reflect changes.
Systems Planner – Systems Planning
June 2009
POST TITLE:
Systems Planner
LOCATION:
Business Resources and Operational
Communications, IT Services, Systems
Planning
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES TO UNDERTAKE THE ROLE
Grade H
Openness to change (B)
Supports, promotes and puts into practice change. Introduces new ways of
doing things and encourages others to accept them. Overcomes barriers to
change.
Respect for race diversity (A)
Understands other people’s views and takes them into account. Is tactful and
diplomatic when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect at all
times. Understands and is sensitive to social, cultural and racial differences
Effective communication (B)
Communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of
communication to meet the needs of the audience. Asks probing questions to
check understanding.
Team working (B)
Sets up teams or working groups, and involves them in achieving goals.
Develops good relationships and co-operation within the team, and removes
barriers. Supports team members when necessary.
Problem solving (B)
Gathers information from a range of sources to understand situations, making
sure it is reliable and accurate. Analyses information to identify important issues
and problems. Identifies risks and considers alternative courses of action to
make good decisions.
Planning and organising (B)
Plans activities thoroughly for self and others. Builds milestones into plans,
monitors progress and adjusts them as necessary in response to any changes.
Provides clear direction and makes sure that staff know what is expected of
them.
Grade I
Personal Responsibility (B)
Takes personal responsibility for own actions and for sorting out issues or
problems that arise. Is focused on achieving results to required standards and
developing skills and knowledge.
As per Grade H plus :
Personal responsibility (A)
Readily accepts responsibility for self and others. Takes responsibility for
managing situations and problems. Leads by example, showing a commitment
and a determination to succeed. Continues to learn and develop.
Explanation of competency levels:
(A), (B), (C) indicates the level of competency taken from the National Competency Framework.
All behavioural competencies will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
Systems Planner – Systems Planning
June 2009
IT Services Branch, Systems Planning Unit
Career Grade for Systems Planner
Grade H
]
Specialist knowledge/
skills and abilities:
Grade I
As per Grade H plus:
Essential:
Essential:
Experience in the planning and implementation of integrated
Significant experience in the planning and implementation of
technical architecture involving Windows Server (including Windows integrated technical architecture involving Windows Server (including
2003), Windows Operating Systems (including Windows XP).
Windows 2003), Windows Operating Systems (including Windows
XP).
Experience in the planning and implementation of integrated
technical architecture involving one or more of the following skill
Significant experience in the planning and implementation of
sets:
integrated technical architecture involving one or more of the
following skill sets:
Unix
Domino and Lotus Notes;
Unix
Network topology (LAN, WAN, IP, Ethernet);
Domino and Lotus Notes;
IP telephony;
Network topology (LAN, WAN, IP, Ethernet);
NAS storage;
IP telephony;
Mobile technology;
NAS storage;
Network Security
Mobile technology;
Network Security
Ability to undertake the detailed research, planning and
implementation of technical projects.
Proven ability to undertake the detailed research, planning and
implementation of technical projects.
Demonstrable ability to present complex proposals to Senior
Management, colleagues and third parties.
Proven ability to produce detailed technical documentation and
management summary reports, including the production of technical
Ability to produce detailed technical documentation including the
diagrams and graphics.
production of technical diagrams and graphics.
Demonstrable ability to manage small projects.
Ability to quickly assimilate, interpret and analyse information about
new hardware and software.
Demonstrable work planning and scheduling skills.
Systems Planner – Systems Planning
June 2009
Specialist knowledge/
skills and abilities:
Desirable
Knowledge of planning tools, e.g. MS Project, Excel and Visio.*
Formal accreditation in a specialist skill set.
An understanding of the ITIL standards.*
As per Grade H plus:
Training/ experience
required:
Essential:
Essential:
Experience in the integration of systems and hardware in a
corporate environment.
Significant experience in the integration of systems and hardware in a
corporate environment.
Experience of participating in the evaluation of technical solutions.
Significant experience of setting evaluation criteria for potential
technical solutions and participating in such evaluations.
Experience of working with 3rd party suppliers in the design and
integration of technical architecture.
Practical experience of staff supervision and development.
Desirable:
In depth understanding of IT principles and trends
Experience of PRINCE methodology.*
Desirable
Worked in a similar post in a large and complex organisation.
Practical experience of working within multi-discipline teams planning
for the implementation of new resilient IT systems.
Experience of IT procurement procedures and budgets.
Systems Planner – Systems Planning
June 2009
Other requirements:
Essential:
Has achieved a good attendance record.
Keep abreast of changes in technology.
Prepared to work abnormal hours when necessary.
Desirable
Full driving licence and have a vehicle available for occasional
business use.
As for Grade H plus:
Examples of work
experience and
undertaken within the
grade
Have planned, documented and implemented IT infrastructure
systems based on logical architecture designs including the
production, interpretation and monitoring of test plans to verify
correct operation of systems against design.
Have produced documentation to a high standard, including
designs, specifications and other materials suitable for use in
proposals, procurements, and subsequent implementations.
Has worked in partnership with one or more 3rd party suppliers to
develop systems through proof of concept and pilot stages to the
final design.
Has completed the planning and implementation of several resilient
integrated technical solutions.
Assisted in the production of project plans with particular reference to
ensuring adequate provision is made for those elements concerning
all aspects of the IT Technical architecture design processes and
subsequent implementation.
Assisted in the IT Branch quality assurance process with particular
reference to ensuring the viablity of third party proposals, identifying
any inconsistances or mismatches with GMP’s technical architecture.
Have supervised the work of less experienced members of staff and
3rd party contractors as necessary.
All essential criteria above will also be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
The desirable criteria marked with an asterisk will be desirable at selection stage but will become essential once in post and will be discussed in the
Performance Appraisal.
Please note that we will consider making reasonable adjustments to the above, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Systems Planner – Systems Planning
June 2009