Service Transition Lead

Job Description

Service Transition LeadFixed term (24 months)ManchesterSalary: £54,300 £60,700Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)IntroductionIf you enjoy bringing order to complexity and making things work seamlessly behind the scenes, this could be a great fit. As a Service Transition Lead, you'll play a key role in ensuring new IT services don't just go live-but land well.Purpose of the RoleYou'll make sure new and changing services are introduced in a way that is controlled, secure and fully supportable. Working closely with projects and programmes, you'll ensure everything is in place before go-live-from support models and documentation through to stakeholder readiness.This is an opportunity to join a growing function at AQA. Service Transition is now embedded into the wider project delivery framework, meaning every project flows through it. With major programmes on the horizon-including digital transformation, AI-driven initiatives and the move toward digital exams-you'll be part of shaping how these services land and operate successfully for colleagues and learners alike.Key ResponsibilitiesLeading service transition across projects, ensuring services are ready, supportable and aligned at go-liveWorking with project teams to define and secure service acceptance criteria, including running readiness checkpointsConnecting teams across Enterprise Technology to ensure support teams and stakeholders are prepared for live serviceWhat We Are Looking ForYou'll suit this role if you're confident working across teams, comfortable challenging where needed and focused on outcomes.Experience in service transition, service management or IT project delivery, or a similar governance roleUnderstanding of ITIL principles (certification helpful but not essential)Ability to influence and guide stakeholders, including handling challenging conversationsExperience working across multiple teams or suppliers in an IT environmentStrong communication, with a calm and pragmatic approachWhat's in It for YouThis is a role where your work has real impact-making sure critical systems are ready and reliable from day one.Opportunity to build expertise in service transition and IT service managementA 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid workingExposure to high-profile, business-critical programmes.25 days' annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure daysExcellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)Diversity and Inclusion StatementAt AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.Application ProcessTo apply, please submit your CV along with a short cover statement outlining your interest.Application deadline: Tuesday 21st July 2026Interview process:Stage 1: Microsoft Teams interviewStage 2: Face-to-face interview at our Manchester office#STEC#LI-JM1TPBN1_UKTJ