At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of analysts to support and enhance business applications.
- Company: Join L&Q, a forward-thinking organisation committed to transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working locations in London or Manchester with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during an exciting transformation journey in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Management experience in applications support and strong technical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 57900 - 65913 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time, 35 hours
Salary: Starting from £65,913 per annum (London weighted salary) or £57,900 per annum (Regional salary), dependent on experience
Grade: 11
Reporting Office: London, Stratford or Manchester, Trafford
Closing Date: 26th May 2026
Interview Dates: Stage 1 - MS Teams: 4th & 5th June, Stage 2 – Face to Face: 11th & 12th June 2026
Benefits include: Excellent pension plan (up to 6% double contribution), 28 days Annual Leave rising to 31 days with length of service + Bank Holidays, Westfield Health Cash Plan, non-contributory life assurance, up to 21 hours volunteering paid days, lifestyle benefits, Employee Assistance Programme and many more.
Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the advertisement and interview earlier than stated. With effect from February 2026, L&Q reserve the right to not shortlist applications from candidates with 3 or more unsuccessful applications within the last 24 months.
We have an exciting new opportunity as we are recruiting for a Lead Application Support Analyst to support the next stages of the Transformation programme and to join us at an exciting time of change at L&Q. Our Business Applications team is implementing a new Target Operating Model, and the team is being increased to support this journey, this role forms part of that process. We continuously invest, grow, and transform our business to provide a better service to customers old and new.
As the Lead Application Support Analyst, you will have overall accountability for the applications in your team’s portfolio, ensuring that they are supported, performant and always meet the business needs. This is a management role, so we are looking for previous management experience. You will report into an Application Services Manager and manage a team of 3-6 Support Analysts and a portfolio of up to 50 applications.
Your impact in the role:
- Providing second line support for applications within the portfolio and working with suppliers and/or in house squads for 3rd line and other support and maintenance tasks.
- Potentially undertakes 3rd line support where appropriate.
- Available for out of hours support as per business need.
- Working closely with suppliers to manage and resolve 3rd line incidents and monitor supplier delivery against SLA.
- Monitoring supplier release and upgrade schedules and ensuring that these are scheduled and rolled out so that applications are always on supported versions and platforms.
- Working with all teams to make sure there are no conflicts.
- Working with the contract management team to support the register of contracts and contract end dates and ensures that renewals and procurements are flagged in plenty of time.
- Leading and managing a team of Support Analysts, being part of the support rota in ServiceNow monitoring, actioning, allocating work and responsibilities across the team, ensuring that there is always adequate cover in place and assuring the work of team members.
- Being an integral member of the Application Management and Support Leadership Team.
- Supporting the Head of Applications Management and Support in day‑to‑day management of the function and in developing a vision and driving the function forward.
- To be available to work with the Transformation programme, working with colleagues across Transformation, business users, internal /external stakeholders and Technology.
- Building close relationships with Business Stakeholders and Suppliers.
- Acting as the SME for given applications, supporting technology and business colleagues, and providing advice and guidance as required.
- Maintaining the applications strategy and roadmap.
- Taking ownership of major incidents ensuring they are resolved in a timely manner.
- Internal and external Service Reviews.
What you'll bring:
- Previous experience in a lead role in Applications Management & Support, ideally working in a similar role in medium‑large IT organisation.
- Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Operating environment and system.
- Strong Technical understanding of at least one of the core L&Q platforms (D365, Sitecore, Keystone, Total Mobile, NEC).
- Ability to explain technical issues to those with non‑technical backgrounds.
- Strong written, and oral English, with the ability to advise, and inform in a consultative manner.
- Strong organisational and management skills, including the prioritisation of workload able to work under pressure.
- Experience leading and line managing small teams.
If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage during this process, including application stage, please email lqcareers@lqgroup.org.uk
Equal Opportunity: We’re a Disability Confident Leader (Level 3). We are committed to ending discrimination and making L&Q a place where everyone feels welcome.
Location: London – Stratford or Manchester – Trafford
Lead Application Support Analysts employer: L&Q Living
L&Q is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including an excellent pension plan, generous annual leave, and lifestyle benefits. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, L&Q fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to contribute to meaningful transformation projects, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Application Support Analysts
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research L&Q's values, recent projects, and their transformation programme. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated leadership or problem-solving skills, especially in application support. This will help you stand out during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. They can provide insights into the company culture and what they look for in a Lead Application Support Analyst. Plus, it might just give you an edge in the hiring process!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait until the last minute!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Application Support Analysts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Application Support Analyst role. Highlight your management experience and any relevant technical skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how your past experiences align with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, make sure to showcase your expertise in Microsoft Operating environments and any specific platforms mentioned in the job description. We want to know what you can bring to the table!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we might close the advert sooner than expected. Head over to our website and get your application in – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at L&Q Living
✨Know Your Applications
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the applications you'll be managing, especially those mentioned in the job description like D365 and Sitecore. Brush up on their functionalities and how they fit into the business needs, as this will show your potential employer that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a management role, be prepared to discuss your previous experience leading teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed projects or resolved conflicts within your team. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Support Analysts effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions during the interview, especially regarding the Microsoft Operating environment. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain complex issues in simple terms, as you may need to communicate with non-technical stakeholders.
✨Engage with the Transformation Programme
Familiarise yourself with the company's Transformation programme and think about how your role as a Lead Application Support Analyst fits into this. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the ongoing changes and improvements within the organisation, showing your enthusiasm for being part of their journey.