At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT service operations and drive continuous improvement for a major pension fund.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest pension funds with a focus on local authority benefits.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT service management and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About WMPF
WMPF is one of the UK’s largest pension funds providing local authority pension benefits for employees across the West Midlands. We manage and administer the pension interests of over 330,000 scheme members, 800+ employers and currently have over £21 billion in assets under management.
What the day will look like
As Service Operations Lead, you’ll play a central role in ensuring the smooth, secure and efficient delivery of IT services that support the Fund’s operational and strategic objectives. Working closely with internal teams, suppliers and stakeholders, you’ll lead a proactive service management function focused on reliability, resilience and continuous improvement. Your day could include overseeing service performance, leading major incident resolution, managing supplier relationships, improving operational processes and supporting the successful transition of new services into live operation. You’ll also provide leadership to the Service Operations team, helping to build a collaborative, customer‑focused and high‑performing culture.
Responsibilities
- Leading the day‑to‑day delivery and continual improvement of IT service operations across the Systems function
- Managing and developing ITIL‑aligned processes including incident, problem, change, service request and service level management
- Building and maintaining a comprehensive Service Catalogue to ensure services are operationally ready and effectively supported
- Monitoring service performance against SLAs, OLAs and KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement and reducing operational risk
- Coordinating the response to major incidents and ensuring timely resolution, communication and root cause analysis
- Driving proactive problem management and continual service improvement initiatives
- Supporting effective change and release governance to minimise disruption to live services
- Managing operational relationships with third‑party suppliers and key stakeholders, including the Pension Administration provider and City of Wolverhampton Council interfaces
- Producing clear service performance reporting and operational insights for senior management
- Leading, coaching and developing the Service Operations team to deliver excellent customer‑focused outcomes
- Ensuring compliance with governance, information security and regulatory requirements within a regulated environment
About you
We’re looking for an experienced IT service management professional with a strong background in leading operational service delivery within a medium‑to‑large or regulated environment. You’ll bring excellent leadership, stakeholder management and problem‑solving skills, alongside a passion for service excellence and continual improvement. You’ll be confident managing competing priorities, influencing others and driving positive change across teams and suppliers.
Benefits
You will receive a generous holiday entitlement (starting with 26 days a year plus bank holidays). We usually work two days a week in the office and three from home. Other benefits include an employee awards scheme, on‑the‑job development with comprehensive study support for professional exams, formal education and structured training, and opportunities for advancement within a growing organisation. We are accredited by PASA, Investors in People, and are working towards a Smart Award to underline our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Service Operations Lead in Wolverhampton employer: West Midlands Pension Fund
WMPF is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and customer-focused work culture that prioritises employee development and service excellence. With generous benefits including 26 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive training support, employees are empowered to grow within a dynamic environment dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in pension fund management.
Contact Details:
West Midlands Pension Fund Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Operations Lead in Wolverhampton
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like West Midlands Pension Fund. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Operations Lead in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to West Midlands Pension Fund.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on West Midlands Pension Fund's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Pension Fund
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with West Midlands Pension Fund.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at West Midlands Pension Fund will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former West Midlands Pension Fund employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
