At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT service readiness, ensuring smooth operations and risk management.
- Company: Join the Post Office, a vital part of UK communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days leave, bonuses, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping IT services for the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT Service Management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As an IT Operational Readiness Lead, you will join us on our journey and undertake a truly valuable role responsible for defining, building, delivering and assuring IT services that support the Post Office business and are fully aligned to the Post Office strategy, IT Strategy and target operating model. You will be a lead practitioner within the Introduction & Improvement Management team, providing senior capability to shape, embed, and assure the operational viability of services before they enter live operation. This role offers you a unique opportunity to influence programmes and product teams early, driving consistent standards, and providing independent challenge to ensure operational risks are understood and managed.
How our people behave is as important to Post Office as what is delivered. The IT Operational Readiness Lead will role model the Post Office behaviours and demonstrate a Postmaster first mindset.
What we can do for you:
- 27.5 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 2 years), plus bank holidays
- Up to 18% on target bonus opportunity
- Annual car allowance
- Generous pension scheme with minimum 9% employer contribution
- Access to 24/7 digital GP services and our Employee Assistance Programme
- 6 x Life assurance and income protection after 12 months service
- Over 400 online courses, mentoring, apprenticeships, and development programmes
- Access to our benefits platform for exclusive discounts & savings
To be successful in this role you will have significant experience operating in IT Service Management, Service Design & Transition, or Operational Readiness roles within complex, enterprise environments. As an IT Operational Readiness Lead, you will have experience defining and embedding frameworks, standards, and governance models to assure services entering live operation. In addition to this, the ideal candidate will:
- ITIL Foundation or equivalent service management certification.
- Proven experience managing teams that support both operational service delivery and technology adoption.
- Demonstrable experience providing independent assurance, oversight, and challenge across complex programmes and product-based delivery models.
- Strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and delivery teams to embed operational considerations early in the lifecycle.
- Experience driving continuous improvement in operational practices, using insight, feedback, and lessons learned from live services.
- Experience working across cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, Service Operations, and Delivery, to drive consistent outcomes.
- Proven ability to identify and manage operational risks, issues, and dependencies within change portfolios.
- Experience of operating within governance forums, readiness reviews, and go/no-go decision-making environments.
- Project or programme management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile).
At Post Office Ltd, we’re proud to be at the heart of communities across the UK, upheld by the dedication and service of our postmasters. We offer essential services that people rely on every day, from parcels and banking to identity and government services. While we continue to evolve with digital innovation, our commitment to personal, face-to-face service remains core to who we are. Our journey is one of reflection, growth, and meaningful change. We’re looking for people who think differently. Those with resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to our postmasters, partners and the communities they serve. If you're driven by the chance to make a real impact and help shape a future, built on progress and integrity, we’d love to hear from you.
Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. While we’ve outlined key skills above, we recognise that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Employer, we recognise the value people with disabilities can bring to our business. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or would like further details on the job description, please contact talentacquisition@postoffice.co.uk.
We’re thrilled by your interest in this opportunity and truly value every application we receive. Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide individual feedback on all submissions.
IT Operational Readiness Lead employer: Post Office Ltd
At Post Office Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values resilience and innovation. As an IT Operational Readiness Lead in the heart of London, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and extensive professional development opportunities, including access to over 400 online courses and mentoring programmes. Join us in making a meaningful impact within our communities while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Operational Readiness Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who work at Post Office or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to IT Service Management and Operational Readiness. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for continuous improvement! Be ready to discuss how you've driven operational enhancements in past roles. This will resonate well with the Post Office's focus on evolving services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find more resources and tips to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Operational Readiness Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in IT Service Management and Operational Readiness. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive continuous improvement. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve led successful initiatives, let us know!
Be Authentic:We’re looking for candidates who resonate with our values and culture. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for IT and how you can contribute to our mission at Post Office.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our careers page. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Post Office Ltd
✨Know Your ITIL Inside Out
As an IT Operational Readiness Lead, having a solid grasp of ITIL principles is crucial. Brush up on your ITIL Foundation knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in past roles. This will show that you can effectively manage service delivery and operational readiness.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Influence
Prepare examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous projects. Think about specific instances where your input shaped operational considerations early in the lifecycle. This will highlight your ability to drive change and ensure operational risks are managed.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to talk about how you've driven continuous improvement in operational practices. Share insights or feedback you've gathered from live services and how you've used them to enhance processes. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to operational excellence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Governance Processes
Understand the governance forums and readiness reviews relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience operating within these environments and how you've contributed to go/no-go decision-making. This will show that you're well-versed in the necessary oversight for successful service transitions.
