Service Readiness & Cutover Manager in Manchester

Service Readiness & Cutover Manager in Manchester

Manchester Temporary Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead network transformation and ensure smooth migration to modern services.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team in the education sector, driving innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on network services while enhancing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in IT infrastructure with strong network engineering background.

We are seeking an experienced Service Readiness & Cutover Manager to support a large-scale network transformation programme within the Education Business Unit. This role combines deep technical understanding of enterprise network environments with strong programme delivery and operational transition leadership. You will be responsible for ensuring seamless migration from legacy environments into modern network services, while driving operational readiness and controlled handover into BAU support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end Service Readiness and Cutover activities across network migration waves
  • Own and manage Hypercare and Early Life Support strategies
  • Develop and maintain detailed readiness, warranty, and cutover plans
  • Define governance, acceptance criteria, reporting, and go/no-go checkpoints
  • Coordinate across engineering, testing, SIAM, service operations, and third-party suppliers
  • Ensure operational and technical prerequisites are completed prior to BAU handover
  • Drive Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT) activities and sign-off
  • Ensure alignment with ITSM processes including Incident, Change, Problem, and Configuration Management
  • Manage RAID activities and provide executive-level reporting
  • Support continuous improvement across readiness and transition processes

Required Experience

  • 15+ years’ experience in IT infrastructure or network transformation programmes
  • Previous hands-on background in Network Engineering
  • Proven experience delivering:
    • Service Readiness
    • Cutover Management
    • Network and campus/building migrations
    • Hypercare / Early Life Support
  • Strong understanding of ITSM and Service Transition principles
  • Experience with enterprise LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, routing & switching, and network security
  • Strong stakeholder management and supplier coordination skills

Desirable Skills

  • Experience within SIAM environments
  • Public sector or higher education programme experience
  • Familiarity with ServiceNow or BMC Helix
  • Exposure to OAT, SVT, and UAT testing frameworks
  • PRINCE2, PMP, Agile PM, ITIL v4, CCNP, or CCIE certifications

Service Readiness & Cutover Manager in Manchester employer: Queen Square Recruitment

Join a forward-thinking organisation in Bristol that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Service Readiness & Cutover Manager, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive daily rates, and the opportunity to lead impactful network transformation projects within the education sector. With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and operational excellence, this role offers a unique chance to grow your career while making a meaningful difference in the community.

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Contact Details:

Queen Square Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Readiness & Cutover Manager in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network with industry professionals! Attend events, webinars, or local meetups related to network transformation. This is a great way to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.

Tip Number 2

Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Share insights on service readiness and cutover management, and engage with posts from companies you're interested in. This can help you stand out to recruiters.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to network migrations and operational readiness. Use the STAR method to structure your answers and highlight your extensive experience.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We often have exclusive listings that might not be found elsewhere. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Readiness & Cutover Manager in Manchester

Service Readiness
Cutover Management
Network Engineering
Hypercare / Early Life Support
ITSM Principles
Stakeholder Management
Supplier Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Service Readiness & Cutover Manager. Highlight your experience in network transformation and operational readiness, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications!

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. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing cutover activities and leading teams through transitions.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include details about your hands-on experience with enterprise LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, and network security. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our network transformation programme.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Square Recruitment

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around enterprise network environments. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in network engineering and how it relates to service readiness and cutover management.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your programme delivery and operational transition leadership. Think about times when you successfully led a team through a network migration or managed complex stakeholder relationships.

Understand the Role's Requirements

Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Be prepared to explain how your previous experiences align with leading end-to-end service readiness activities and managing Hypercare strategies.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to network transformation and their expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.