Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT service changes and manage a dynamic release team for critical national infrastructure.
- Company: Join the UK Home Office, a key player in government administration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a role that shapes technology services for the nation.
- Qualifications: Experience in ITIL processes and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and diversity with great career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid with 60% office attendance with sites at Hendon or Croydon
Salary: £64,300 plus allowance of up to £11,300
Close Date: 24th July 2025
Job summary
This role involves leading the management of IT-related service changes within the Home Office. It requires navigating a complex environment of technologies, third-party suppliers, and both internal and cross-government teams to deliver a critical service within Digital Data and Technology (DDaT). Making informed and sometimes difficult decisions will be essential, based on gathered insights and effective risk assessment. By applying established processes, methods, tools, and applications, you'll help ensure the highest levels of availability and performance across technology services.
As the strategic lead for the Operational Release Management team, you'll define priorities and areas of focus. Ensuring that processes are clearly documented and aligned with best practices will be a key part of your responsibilities. You'll also develop templates and frameworks to support process variations across services and portfolios.
We're looking for a Lead Release Manager to oversee the safe and efficient delivery of changes to live services that support Critical National Infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the release team and act as the final escalation point.
- Approve and prioritise major release requests, ensuring alignment with architecture and budget.
- Represent the function at senior governance boards and provide regular reporting.
- Ensure timely, well-documented delivery from internal teams and suppliers.
- Develop and improve release policies and processes, identifying opportunities for automation and service improvement.
- Some out-of-hours work may be required to support key releases.
Person specification
As a Lead Release Manager, you will have experience of:
- Experience of developing, implementing and adhering to ITIL v3 / v4 management processes and procedures.
- A demonstrable passion for change management.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to communicate effectively and professionally coupled with the ability to prioritise and implement decisions quickly.
- Proven ability to lead and manage large teams.
- Proven ability to build and manage relationships with suppliers and senior stakeholders and committed to customer satisfaction.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
A civil service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%. 25 days annual leave on appointment, plus 8 days public holidays and 1 day for the King's Birthday, rising further with service. Flexible working options to enable you to achieve the work-life balance that is right for you including part-time, flexi time and job sharing. Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid. Maternity and adoption support leave (paternity leave) of 2 weeks full pay. Training and development opportunities tailored to your role. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. Season ticket loans and rental deposit loans. Cycle to work and payroll giving. Employee discounts - including a huge number of retailers, Microsoft Home Use programme and gym membership. Study leave and support for studying for a qualification or other accredited development relevant to your role.
Please click on apply now to be redirected to our application portal and to see the full job advert.
Lead Release Manager in London employer: UK Home Office
Contact Detail:
UK Home Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Release Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at the UK Home Office. A friendly message on LinkedIn can go a long way. Just be genuine and express your interest in the Lead Release Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to release management and change processes. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and projects. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to make tough decisions and drive successful outcomes.
✨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 all the details about the role and the team you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Release Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Release Manager role. Highlight your experience with ITIL processes and change management, as these are key for us at the Home Office.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've managed large teams and navigated complex environments, as this will really resonate with our hiring team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This reflects the communication skills we value in a Lead Release Manager.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Home Office
✨Know Your ITIL Inside Out
As a Lead Release Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in ITIL v3/v4 processes. Brush up on these frameworks and be ready to discuss how you've implemented them in past roles. Think of specific examples where you improved service delivery or managed change effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities, so prepare to share experiences where you've successfully led teams through complex projects. Highlight your approach to managing relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and how you ensure customer satisfaction while prioritising tasks.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare for scenarios where you had to make tough calls based on risk assessments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand the Home Office's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the UK Home Office's goals and challenges, especially in relation to Digital Data and Technology. Being able to articulate how your role as a Lead Release Manager aligns with their mission will show your genuine interest and commitment to the position.
