Service Design and Transition Lead

Service Design and Transition Lead - Manchester

Are you a skilled leader with a passion for delivering exceptional IT services in complex and dynamic environments? We're looking for a Service Design and Transition Lead to drive the design, implementation, and improvement of IT services, ensuring they meet both strategic and operational needs.

About the Role
As the Service Design and Transition Lead, you will oversee the seamless delivery and ongoing optimization of IT services. Reporting to the Assistant Director of IT and Digital - Operations, you'll be responsible for ensuring that all new services, changes, and functionalities are effectively transitioned into live environments, meeting quality standards and user expectations.
This is a strategic leadership position where you'll collaborate with senior stakeholders, manage a skilled team, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and IT strategies. Your work will directly contribute to the success of critical IT programs and initiatives, ensuring they deliver maximum value.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy:
• Lead the Service Design and Transition department, driving innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic advice on managing IT programs and projects, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to influence decision-making and ensure effective service management practices.
• Service Design and Transition:
• Oversee the design and implementation of new and changed IT services, ensuring they are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Develop and maintain a forward schedule of changes, supporting efficient service introductions and transitions.
• Work with architecture teams to integrate service management practices into solutions from the outset.
• Team and Supplier Management:
• Manage a multidisciplinary team, including Change and Release Managers, Incident Managers, and Analysts, ensuring high performance and development.
• Build strong relationships with third-party suppliers, holding them accountable for delivering services that meet organizational expectations.
• Performance and Innovation:
• Measure team performance and service effectiveness, implementing improvements as needed.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions that enhance service delivery and meet future demands.
• Budget and Risk Management:
• Oversee budget planning and management for the service design portfolio, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Manage risks and ensure compliance with security and continuity policies.

About You
We're looking for a proactive and experienced leader with a strong background in IT service management. You'll bring:

• A proven track record of delivering high-quality IT services in large, complex organizations.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, and supplier relationships.
• Expertise in ITIL frameworks and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A degree or significant relevant experience (essential), with ITIL V4 certification or supervisory management qualifications (desirable).