At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support and enhance applications, ensuring top performance and alignment with business needs.
- Company: A leading housing association focused on community development and sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous salary, excellent pension, 28-31 days leave, health cash plan, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a transformative journey in tech while making a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in application management, leadership skills, and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 57900 - 65913 € per year.
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time 35 hours per week
Salary: Starting from £65,913 per annum (London weighted salary) or £57,900 per annum (Regional salary), depending on experience.
Grade: 11
Location: Manchester / Trafford
Closing Date: 26th May 2026
Interview Dates:
- Stage 1 MS Teams: 4th & 5th June 2026
- Stage 2 Face-to-Face: 11th & 12th June 2026
Benefits:
- Excellent pension plan (up to 6% double contribution)
- 28 days annual leave rising to 31 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Health cash plan
- Non-contributory life assurance
- Up to 21 hours paid volunteering leave
- Lifestyle benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Additional employee benefits
Early applications are encouraged, as the advert may close earlier than stated. Please note that applications from candidates with three or more unsuccessful applications within the last 24 months may not be shortlisted.
About the Role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Application Support Analyst to support the next stages of a major transformation programme during a period of organisational change and growth. The Business Applications team is implementing a new Target Operating Model, and the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting this journey. The organisation continues to invest in technology and transformation to improve services for customers and stakeholders. As the Lead Application Support Analyst, you will be responsible for the applications within your team’s portfolio, ensuring they are fully supported, high performing, and aligned with business requirements. This is a leadership role requiring previous management experience. You will report to the Application Services Manager and manage a team of 3-6 Support Analysts, alongside a portfolio of up to 50 applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide second-line support for applications within the portfolio
- Work with suppliers and internal teams to coordinate third-line support and maintenance activities
- Participate in out-of-hours support where required
- Manage supplier relationships and monitor service delivery against agreed SLAs
- Coordinate application upgrades and releases to ensure systems remain fully supported and up to date
- Support contract and renewal management activities
- Lead and manage a team of Support Analysts, including workload allocation and rota management
- Support day-to-day operational management within the Applications Management & Support function
- Work closely with transformation teams, business users, and technical stakeholders
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for designated applications
- Maintain application strategies and roadmaps
- Take ownership of major incidents and ensure timely resolution
- Participate in internal and external service reviews
Skills & Experience Required:
- Previous experience in a lead role within Applications Management & Support
- Experience working within medium to large IT environments
- Strong background in Service Management
- Good knowledge of Microsoft operating environments and systems
- Strong technical understanding of one or more enterprise platforms such as D365, Sitecore, Keystone, Total Mobile, or NEC
- Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Experience leading and managing small teams
About the Organisation:
The organisation is one of the UK’s leading housing associations and developers, providing high-quality homes and services to communities across London, the South East, and the North West of England. Diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are central to the organisation’s values and culture. The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and able to succeed.
Lead Application Support Analysts in Manchester employer: L&Q Group
As a leading housing association and developer, this organisation offers an exceptional work environment in Manchester, where diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are at the heart of its culture. Employees benefit from a generous pension plan, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Application Support Analysts in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to application support and leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We can even help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of extra practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Application Support Analysts in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Lead Application Support Analyst role. We want to see how you can support our transformation programme and manage a team effectively.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, don’t forget to emphasise your previous management experience. Share examples of how you've led teams and managed applications in the past – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your technical skills and experiences, especially when discussing complex concepts. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Early applications are encouraged, and we might close the advert sooner than expected. Head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at L&Q Group
✨Know Your Applications Inside Out
As a Lead Application Support Analyst, you'll be managing a portfolio of up to 50 applications. Make sure you research these applications thoroughly before your interview. Understand their functionalities, common issues, and how they align with business needs. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in their specific applications.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a leadership role, be prepared to discuss your previous management experience. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team, managed workloads, or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to motivate and support your team, as well as how you handle pressure and ensure high performance.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll need to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, so practice articulating complex ideas in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clear communication and active listening. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about past incidents you've managed, how you approached them, and what the outcomes were. Be ready to discuss how you would handle major incidents or service delivery challenges, showcasing your strategic thinking and operational management skills.
