At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support and enhance applications, ensuring top performance and alignment with business needs.
- Company: A leading UK housing association focused on community and sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous salary, excellent pension, 28-31 days leave, health cash plan, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a transformative journey in tech while making a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in application management and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 57900 - 65913 € per year.
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time 35 hours per week
Salary: Starting from £65,913 per annum (London weighted salary) or £57,900 per annum (Regional salary), depending on experience.
Grade: 11
Location: Manchester / Trafford
Closing Date: 26th May 2026
Interview Dates:
- Stage 1 MS Teams: 4th & 5th June 2026
- Stage 2 Face-to-Face: 11th & 12th June 2026
Benefits:
- Excellent pension plan (up to 6% double contribution)
- 28 days annual leave rising to 31 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Health cash plan
- Non-contributory life assurance
- Up to 21 hours paid volunteering leave
- Lifestyle benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Additional employee benefits
Early applications are encouraged, as the advert may close earlier than stated. Please note that applications from candidates with three or more unsuccessful applications within the last 24 months may not be shortlisted.
About the Role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Application Support Analyst to support the next stages of a major transformation programme during a period of organisational change and growth. The Business Applications team is implementing a new Target Operating Model, and the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting this journey. The organisation continues to invest in technology and transformation to improve services for customers and stakeholders.
As the Lead Application Support Analyst, you will be responsible for the applications within your team’s portfolio, ensuring they are fully supported, high performing, and aligned with business requirements. This is a leadership role requiring previous management experience. You will report to the Application Services Manager and manage a team of 3-6 Support Analysts, alongside a portfolio of up to 50 applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide second-line support for applications within the portfolio
- Work with suppliers and internal teams to coordinate third-line support and maintenance activities
- Participate in out-of-hours support where required
- Manage supplier relationships and monitor service delivery against agreed SLAs
- Coordinate application upgrades and releases to ensure systems remain fully supported and up to date
- Support contract and renewal management activities
- Lead and manage a team of Support Analysts, including workload allocation and rota management
- Support day-to-day operational management within the Applications Management & Support function
- Work closely with transformation teams, business users, and technical stakeholders
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for designated applications
- Maintain application strategies and roadmaps
- Take ownership of major incidents and ensure timely resolution
- Participate in internal and external service reviews
Skills & Experience Required:
- Previous experience in a lead role within Applications Management & Support
- Experience working within medium to large IT environments
- Strong background in Service Management
- Good knowledge of Microsoft operating environments and systems
- Strong technical understanding of one or more enterprise platforms such as D365, Sitecore, Keystone, Total Mobile, or NEC
- Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Experience leading and managing small teams
About the Organisation:
The organisation is one of the UK’s leading housing associations and developers, providing high-quality homes and services to communities across London, the South East, and the North West of England. Diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are central to the organisation’s values and culture. The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and able to succeed.
Lead Application Support Analysts employer: Workcircle
As a leading housing association and developer, this organisation offers an exceptional work environment in Manchester, where diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are at the heart of its culture. Employees benefit from a generous pension plan, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to play a pivotal role in a major transformation programme while enjoying a fulfilling career that makes a real difference in communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Application Support Analysts
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to application support and leadership. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can be a game-changer in landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Application Support Analysts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Lead Application Support Analyst role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, don’t forget to emphasise your management experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed projects in the past to demonstrate your capability.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your communication style reflects the excellent written skills we value at StudySmarter.
Apply Early!:We encourage you to apply as soon as possible since early applications may be prioritised. Head over to our website to submit your application and take the first step towards joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workcircle
✨Know Your Applications Inside Out
As a Lead Application Support Analyst, you'll be managing a portfolio of up to 50 applications. Make sure you research these applications thoroughly before the interview. Understand their functionalities, common issues, and how they align with business needs. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in their specific applications.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a leadership role, be prepared to discuss your previous management experience. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team, managed workloads, or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to motivate and support your team, as well as how you handle pressure and ensure high performance.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Technical Stakeholders
You'll need to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, so practice articulating complex ideas in simple terms. During the interview, use relatable analogies or examples to demonstrate your communication skills. This will help the interviewers see that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about past incidents you've managed, how you approached them, and what the outcomes were. Be ready to discuss how you would handle major incidents or service delivery challenges in this new role, showcasing your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
