At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of new IT services, ensuring they launch smoothly and effectively.
- Company: Join AQA, a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of exciting digital transformation projects and grow your expertise in IT service management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring critical systems are ready from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in service transition or IT project delivery; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54300 - 60700 € per year.
If you enjoy bringing order to complexity and making things work seamlessly behind the scenes, this could be a great fit. As a Service Transition Lead, you'll play a key role in ensuring new IT services don't just go live-but land well. You'll be at the centre of change, helping shape how services transition into real-world use across AQA.
Purpose of the Role
You'll make sure new and changing services are introduced in a way that is controlled, secure and fully supportable. Working closely with projects and programmes, you'll ensure everything is in place before go-live-from support models and documentation through to stakeholder readiness. This is an opportunity to join a growing function at AQA. Service Transition is now embedded into the wider project delivery framework, meaning every project flows through it. With major programmes on the horizon-including digital transformation, AI-driven initiatives and the move toward digital exams-you'll be part of shaping how these services land and operate successfully for colleagues and learners alike.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading service transition across projects, ensuring services are ready, supportable and aligned at go-live
- Working with project teams to define and secure service acceptance criteria, including running readiness checkpoints
- Connecting teams across Enterprise Technology to ensure support teams and stakeholders are prepared for live service
What We Are Looking For
You'll suit this role if you're confident working across teams, comfortable challenging where needed and focused on outcomes. Experience in service transition, service management or IT project delivery, or a similar governance role. Understanding of ITIL principles (certification helpful but not essential). Ability to influence and guide stakeholders, including handling challenging conversations. Experience working across multiple teams or suppliers in an IT environment. Strong communication, with a calm and pragmatic approach.
What's in It for You
This is a role where your work has real impact-making sure critical systems are ready and reliable from day one. Opportunity to build expertise in service transition and IT service management. A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working. Exposure to high-profile, business-critical programmes. 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days. Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution).
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV along with a short cover statement outlining your interest. Application deadline: Sunday 31 May 2026. Interview process: Stage 1: Microsoft Teams interview. Stage 2: Face-to-face interview at our Manchester office.
Service Transition Lead in Bolton employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise in service transition while working on high-profile projects that make a real difference. Enjoy a flexible hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and a supportive culture that champions diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Transition Lead in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at AQA or have experience in service transition. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the key responsibilities of the role. Think about how your past experiences align with leading service transitions and managing stakeholder expectations. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills during the interview. Be calm and pragmatic, just like the job description suggests. Practice answering questions clearly and confidently, so you can demonstrate your ability to influence and guide stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AQA and being part of their exciting journey in service transition.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Transition Lead in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Transition Lead role. Highlight your experience in service transition, IT project delivery, and any relevant ITIL knowledge. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Statement:Your cover statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise but impactful. Share why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to making services land well at AQA. We love enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and professional language, and don’t shy away from showing your calm and pragmatic approach in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of everything. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which we love!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Service Transition Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your service transition knowledge, especially ITIL principles. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed transitions in the past and how you can apply that experience to AQA's projects.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Service Transition Lead, you'll need to connect with various teams and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas or handled challenging conversations in previous roles.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with AQA's upcoming projects, like digital transformation and AI initiatives. Being able to discuss how your role fits into these larger goals will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company's direction.
✨Prepare for Readiness Checkpoints
Think about how you would approach readiness checkpoints for new services. Be ready to share your strategies for ensuring that all teams are aligned and prepared for go-live, as this is crucial for the role.
