Service Delivery Manager in Manchester

The Service Delivery Manager is responsible for the effective delivery, performance, and continuous improvement of IT service management across the organisation. Reporting into the Head of IT Operations, the role owns the operational execution of IT service management processes and ensures a high‑quality, customer‑focused service experience for internal users. The role acts as the primary operational interface between IT and the business for service performance, incidents, and customer experience, and is accountable for ensuring that IT services are delivered in line with agreed service levels, regulatory requirements, and operational best practice.

Responsibilities will include:

• IT Service Management
  • Own the day‑to‑day operation of IT service management processes, including incident, problem, change, request, and service level management.
  • Ensure service management processes are consistently applied, documented, and embedded across IT Operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement of service management maturity in line with ITIL best practice.
  • Support the Head of IT Operations with service performance insights, risks, and improvement recommendations.
• Service Performance & Reporting
  • Define, manage, and report on service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Produce regular service performance reporting for Technology leadership and business stakeholders.
  • Analyse service trends, customer feedback, and operational data to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Ensure service performance issues are proactively identified and addressed.
  • Act as a key escalation point for major incidents and service disruptions.
  • Coordinate incident and problem management activities, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Ensure clear, timely, and effective communication during incidents and service issues.
  • Support post‑incident reviews and ensure actions are tracked to completion.
• Customer Experience & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Own the customer service experience for IT operational services.
  • Act as a primary point of contact for business stakeholders on service‑related matters.
  • Establish regular communication and feedback loops with users and key stakeholders.
  • Manage service‑related complaints and escalations to resolution.
  • Oversee the performance of the IT Helpdesk and service desk functions, including outsourced providers where applicable.
  • Ensure service desk processes, procedures, and standards meet operational, regulatory, and audit requirements.
  • Manage third‑party service providers to ensure contracted services are delivered effectively and represent value for money.
  • Ensure effective onboarding, offboarding, and access management processes (e.g. Joiners, Movers, Leavers).
• Operational Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure service management policies, processes, and procedures support audit, risk, and compliance requirements.
  • Maintain service documentation, runbooks, and operational records.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing evidence of effective service management controls.
  • Identify and manage operational risks related to service delivery.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in IT service delivery or service management roles.
• Strong working knowledge of IT service management frameworks (e.g. ITIL v4).
• Experience managing service desks, including outsourced providers.
• Strong incident, problem, and escalation management experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience producing service performance reporting and management information.
• Experience working in regulated environments (e.g. financial services, insurance).
• Experience with ITSM tools such as ServiceNow.
• Experience supporting audit and compliance activities.

About Us

We offer all employees a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on their whole wellbeing. This includes hybrid working, a competitive base salary, non-contributory pension, discretionary bonus, insurances including health (family) and dental cover, and many other benefits to enhance financial, physical, social and psychological health.

Canopius is a global specialty lines (re)insurer. We are one of the leading insurers in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market with offices in the UK, US, Singapore, Australia and Bermuda. At Canopius we foster a distinctive, positive culture which enables us to bring our whole selves to work to flourish as people, and build a business which delivers profitable, sustainable results. Based in incredible new offices in the heart of the City of London, Canopius operates a flexible, hybrid working model and is committed to providing an environment that challenges employees to be their best and where everyone's unique contributions are recognised, valued and respected. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion or beliefs, marital or caring status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage and welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Please let us know if you require any information in an alternate format or any other reasonable adjustments.