At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT service quality and manage vendor performance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established UK financial organisation with a focus on IT service management.
- Benefits: Discretionary bonus, private medical insurance, 28 days holiday, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and early application encouraged.
- Why this job: Be the key link between business and IT, driving impactful service improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.
Hybrid Working (2 days office / 3 days home) - Coventry or Manchester
Our client, a well-established UK financial organisation operating in a complex, regulated environment, is investing significantly in its IT Service Management function following a major restructure. As part of this, they're looking for a Lead Service Manager to take end-to-end ownership of IT service quality for a key business directive - covering internal technology teams and a portfolio of third-party vendors and partners.
This is a genuinely business-facing role. You'll be the trusted point of contact between business stakeholders and IT, holding vendors to account on performance, driving service improvement (reactive and proactive), and ensuring commercial commitments - contracts, renewals, SLAs - land on time and deliver value.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning service quality end-to-end across internal teams and outsourced/third-party vendors, including services where you're managing through SLAs and contractual levers rather than direct oversight.
- Holding vendors accountable for performance, running corrective action plans where needed, and driving continuous improvement.
- Taking commercial ownership of vendor contracts and renewals, ensuring nothing slips.
- Acting as the primary business-facing point of contact for a defined directive, building trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Playing an active role in incident and problem management, keeping stakeholders informed and addressing recurring issues at source.
- Working closely with change delivery teams to ensure new or modified services transition smoothly into live support.
- Representing service priorities and risk considerations within delivery roadmaps.
What we're looking for:
- A background in service management, ideally from Financial Services, MSP, service transition, or incident/problem management environment.
- Strong commercial acumen - comfortable negotiating with vendors and managing contracts.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills - able to listen as well as drive outcomes.
- Comfortable operating in a complex, regulated, fast-paced environment.
- Financial services or other regulated-sector experience is a plus but not essential - we're equally interested in candidates from MSP, telecoms, retail or other complex service environments.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; Jira experience useful but not essential.
What's on offer:
- Discretionary annual bonus of up to 20%.
- Life assurance, private medical insurance, health screening.
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, with a buy/sell scheme.
- Hybrid working - 2 days in office (Coventry or Manchester), 3 days from home.
This is a fast-moving process with a target start date ahead of a major business milestone in early September, so early applications are encouraged.
Lead Service Manager in Manchester employer: Lorien
Join a forward-thinking financial organisation that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a hybrid working model, generous benefits including a discretionary annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 28 days of holiday, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions. This role offers the unique opportunity to engage directly with business stakeholders while driving service excellence across internal teams and third-party vendors, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Service Manager in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lorien. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Service Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lorien.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lorien's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lorien.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lorien will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lorien employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
