IT Service Manager - Release Manager

Change and Release Manager/ IT Service Manager
Contract duration: 6 monthsLocation: Hybrid- Once per month visit to Central LondonPay range: £500.00- £600.00 per day/ Inside IR35Start date: ASAP
We are hiring a Change and Release Manager support to the Release Manager and Service Managers in the successful planning, coordination and delivery of releases and change initiatives across a Digital Transformation Programmes.You will act as a key link between programme delivery teams, operational teams, suppliers and business stakeholders, ensuring releases are delivered effectively to customers, branch colleagues and the wider branch network.Further responsibilities include:
Ensure release schedules, deployment plans and governance activities are maintained, supporting the successful delivery of programme and operational objectives.Support the day-to-day management of release processes, including planning, reporting, tracking actions, managing requests and driving continual improvement of release and deployment practices.Work collaboratively with technology, operational, programme and supplier teams to ensure release activities are delivered consistently and aligned with organisational objectives.Support the delivery of key business transformation and digital change initiatives as part of the wider programme portfolio.Manage and work closely with third-party suppliers and delivery partners to achieve high standards of release delivery, ensuring alignment to agreed processes, timelines and quality expectations.Contribute to the ongoing evolution and maturity of release, deployment and change enablement practices in line with ITIL principles and organisational needs.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills include:
Understanding of modern Service Management practices, including ITIL principles and service lifecycle concepts.Knowledge of release planning, release coordination, deployment management and change enablement practices.Demonstrates customer-first thinking and behaviours, balancing business needs with operational stability.Understanding of programme and project delivery environments, particularly within business transformation and digital change initiatives.Experience working within technology, service management or operational support functions.Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset.Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and organisational boundaries.Understands the importance of stakeholder engagement and delivering value to customers and business users.Knowledge of supplier management and service delivery frameworks.
Experience Required:
Experience supporting the delivery of releases, projects, programmes or operational change initiatives.Track record of driving improvements in service delivery, release coordination or operational processes.Experience managing or working with outsourced suppliers and delivery partners.Demonstrates strong process discipline, organisational skills and the ability to work effectively within complex delivery environments.Experience communicating and influencing both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills combined with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.Experience using ServiceNow or similar service management platforms preferredExperience working across multiple workstreams and managing competing priorities.
Qualifications Required
ITIL Foundation (v4 preferred).Professional certification in Project, Programme or Service Management desirable (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, MSP).
Skills Required
Strong knowledge of Service Management and release delivery practices.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Effective stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.Strong planning, coordination and organisational capability.Ability to analyse data and produce meaningful management information and performance reporting.Personal resilience, adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.Ability to remain calm, professional and decisive in high-pressure situations.Experience operating in a matrix-managed environment across multiple teams and suppliers.Experience of ServiceNow or equivalent service management toolsets.Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Demonstrable experience working within a technology, service management, operational delivery or programme environment.