At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Customer Enablement function to enhance digital and tech services for colleagues.
- Company: Join Save the Children UK, a leader in child welfare and advocacy.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through innovative service management.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT service management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full time (flexible working options available) Farringdon, London/Home-based
Closing Date: 15 February 2026
Save the Children UK is looking for an experienced and collaborative leader to join us as Head of Service Operations. In this role, you will shape how colleagues across the organisation experience and use digital, data and technology services, working closely with senior leaders, technical teams and partners to ensure our services are accessible, effective and deliver maximum impact for children. Note, internally, this role is referred to as Head of Customer Enablement, reflecting our customer‑centric approach.
About us
Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.
About the role
As Head of Customer Enablement, you will lead the function responsible for ensuring Save the Children colleagues receive reliable, high‑quality and accessible digital, data and technology services. You will combine strong service management leadership with a strategic focus on customer enablement, ensuring teams are supported, confident and equipped to use technology effectively. As part of the DDaT senior leadership team, you will oversee service delivery, supplier relationships, budgets and continual service improvement, while acting as a trusted partner to stakeholders across the organisation.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the Customer Enablement function, owning service management processes and ensuring services are designed and delivered to maximise customer value.
- Act as a strong customer advocate for digital, data and technology, ensuring a consistently high‑quality service experience across the organisation.
- Develop and grow the Service Desk and Customer Support functions, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, user experience and engagement.
- Take ownership of major incidents, coordinating teams and stakeholders to minimise impact and ensure clear, timely communication.
- Oversee supplier management, contracts, asset and licence management, procurement processes and budget control.
- Drive continual service improvement through customer insight, service reporting and the delivery of service improvement plans and operational projects.
About you
To be successful, it is important that you have:
- Proven experience in IT service management methodologies such as ITIL and COBIT with experience operating in complex environments.
- A track record of leading customer‑focused IT services, service desks or support functions, with a strong emphasis on service quality and user experience and service performance monitoring.
- Experience managing budgets, procurement, suppliers and contracts, ensuring best value, compliance and effective risk management.
- Strong leadership and people management capability, with experience building, developing and empowering high‑performing teams.
Head of Service Operations employer: Save the Children UK
Contact Detail:
Save the Children UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission, especially around customer enablement and service operations. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in IT service management and how it aligns with their needs. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We believe this shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, making you stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Service Operations role. Highlight your experience in IT service management and customer-focused services, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and improved service delivery in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to empower others and drive results, especially in complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Save the Children UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in IT service management methodologies like ITIL and COBIT. Brush up on your knowledge of how these frameworks apply to complex environments, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and people management capabilities. Think about times when you’ve built or empowered teams, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that experience to Save the Children UK.
✨Understand Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with Save the Children’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on customer enablement and delivering high-quality services that make a real impact for children.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in service delivery or how they measure success in customer satisfaction, showing that you’re already thinking about how to contribute.