Business Applications Engineer – Legal Applications

The role:

We are looking for a Business Applications Engineer to join our IT department in Bristol.

The main purpose of the role will be to:

• Play a key hands-on role in designing, building, supporting and continuously improving internal and client-facing business applications, workflow automations, integrations and AI-enabled solutions across Microsoft Power Platform, Azure, Microsoft 365 and connected firm platforms that improve business processes, reduce manual effort and enhance client and colleague experience.

• Deliver secure, scalable and user-focused solutions using tools such as Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Copilot Studio, Logic Apps and relevant Azure AI services.

• Work closely with stakeholders to understand business needs and turn them into practical, well-governed digital solutions that deliver measurable value, improve efficiency and support better user and client outcomes.

• Apply AI and automation thoughtfully to improve processes, simplify user experience, reduce administrative effort and support intelligent, efficient ways of working across the firm.

• Provide support, guidance and knowledge sharing so that solutions are adopted successfully and can be enhanced over time.

• Plan and manage work effectively using agile delivery practices, including clear user stories, acceptance criteria and effort estimates.

• Collaborate with colleagues across IT, projects and the business to integrate solutions with wider firm platforms and third-party systems where needed.

What will you do:

• Work with colleagues across the Productivity Applications team and wider IT function to deliver high-quality business and client-facing solutions aligned to the firm’s digital and AI priorities, improving efficiency, usability and service outcomes.

• Engage with stakeholders and, where required, clients to understand needs, provide technical advice and support successful solution delivery.

• Gather, analyse and translate business requirements into clear functional and technical designs.

• Design, build, test, deploy and support solutions across Power Platform and Azure using agreed delivery standards and agile ways of working, with a focus on improving processes, reducing manual effort and delivering reliable user outcomes.

• Manage deployments through controlled release processes, using Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipelines to support safe, repeatable delivery across development, test and live environments.

• Monitor, troubleshoot and resolve issues affecting applications, integrations and automations, working with support teams and suppliers where needed.

• Produce clear documentation and provide training and guidance to users, champions and support teams to encourage effective adoption, self-sufficiency and ongoing value from delivered solutions.

• Keep up to date with developments across Power Platform, Azure and Microsoft AI capabilities, identifying opportunities to improve the firm’s application landscape and ways of working.

• Work closely with project managers, business analysts, architects, suppliers and other technical teams to ensure solutions are well designed, integrated and supportable.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience designing, building and supporting solutions using Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps and Power Automate.

• Experience working with Dataverse, APIs, connectors and integration technologies such as Logic Apps to create robust, secure and scalable solutions.

• Experience using Azure DevOps or similar tooling for source control, release management and CI/CD deployment practices.

• Good understanding of solution design, coding standards, testing and documentation, with a focus on maintainability, quality and supportability.

• Ability to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand problems, explain options clearly and shape effective solutions.

• Experience working with a range of Microsoft and business data sources, including Azure, SQL, APIs, Microsoft 365, SharePoint and other connected platforms.

• Awareness of Microsoft AI capabilities, including Copilot Studio and Azure AI services, and an interest in applying them safely and practically to business problems.

• Strong communication, presentation and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. Understand how to demonstrate value.

• Experience of working within delivery, support, project or change processes in a structured environment.

• Broad understanding of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and how its services can be used alongside Power Platform solutions.

• Experience with other development or scripting technologies would be beneficial.

• Experience of legal sector applications or document-centric business systems would be beneficial.

• A proactive approach to learning, improvement and keeping up to date with relevant technologies and platform capabilities.

• An understanding of user needs, usability and accessible design principles would be beneficial.

• We welcome applicants who can demonstrate strong transferable experience, even if they have not worked in every technology listed above.

• Flexibility and ability/willingness to work out of hours, if required, to support the implementation of changes and provide support for priority incidents.

• Willingness to undertake occasional international travel, if required, to support business needs.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 3. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information: 

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: 

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families. 

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. 

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs. 

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.