At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT service readiness, ensuring operational viability before launch.
- 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 growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping IT services for the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT Service Management and strong stakeholder influence required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive plus comprehensive benefits package
Grade: 3A
Reporting Line: Head of Introduction & Improvement Management
Contact Type: Permanent
Location: London
What to expect
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
Our business is changing and we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed, to help us achieve our ambitious goals. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 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
What you’ll need to succeed
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).
About us
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.
Application Guidance
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 in London employer: Post Office
At Post Office Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive professional development opportunities. Our work culture is built on collaboration and respect, where every team member is encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, ensuring that we not only meet our ambitious goals but also foster personal growth and meaningful change within the community. Join us in London as an IT Operational Readiness Lead, where you can make a real impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Operational Readiness Lead in London
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Post Office values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Post Office might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Post Office!
✨Direct Apply to Post Office
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Post Office website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Operational Readiness Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Post Office.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Post Office. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Post Office
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
