Service Manager reference: 0000079974

Opportunity Review: Service Manager at Barclays (Knutsford)

Barclays is seeking a motivated and experienced Service Manager to join their dynamic team in Knutsford. This role offers a significant opportunity to take ownership of critical IT services within a global technology environment, ensuring their resilience, scalability, and consistent delivery to meet stringent client agreements, particularly with industry leaders like Amazon and Apple.

If you are looking to elevate your career in IT Service Management and make a tangible impact on a large-scale, reputable organization, this position presents a compelling proposition. As a Service Manager, you will be at the forefront of ensuring seamless IT operations, acting as a vital link between technology teams, business stakeholders, and external partners.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This role provides the chance to shape the strategic direction of IT Services, implement modern methodologies, and directly influence the bank's operational effectiveness.
• End-to-End Ownership: You will have comprehensive responsibility for the performance, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management of critical IT services, offering a holistic view of service delivery.
• Client Exposure: Working with high-profile clients like Amazon and Apple means operating under demanding service level agreements, which is an excellent opportunity to hone your skills in delivering excellence under pressure.
• Career Growth in IT Service Management: The role demands expertise across a broad spectrum of ITIL disciplines, including Incident, Problem, Change Management, Capacity Management, and Service Level Agreements. This is an ideal platform to deepen your knowledge and become a seasoned expert in the field.
• Leadership and Influence: Whether leading a team or driving collaborative assignments, you will be expected to advise, influence, and guide others, fostering an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver exceptional results. The emphasis on Barclays' LEAD behaviors (Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others) highlights a commitment to supportive and effective leadership.
• Financial Services Experience: While not mandatory, previous experience in the financial services or banking technology sector is highly valued. This role provides a unique opportunity to gain or further develop this specialized experience within a leading institution.
• Cloud and Hybrid Environments: Exposure to multi-platform service management, including cloud services like AWS and hybrid on-prem/cloud environments, is a significant advantage. This role will allow you to work with and gain expertise in modern, complex IT infrastructures.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• ITIL Proficiency: A solid understanding and practical application of ITIL v3 or v4 principles are essential. Candidates with ITIL certification or extensive experience in an ITIL-aligned environment will be well-positioned.
• Stakeholder Management Prowess: The ability to communicate effectively, influence stakeholders at all levels, and translate complex technical issues into clear business impacts is paramount. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are non-negotiable.
• Problem-Solving and Continuous Improvement: This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks, driving service improvements, and delivering measurable operational outcomes. A mindset geared towards continuous enhancement is crucial.
• Broader Business Acumen: Beyond technical skills, Barclays is looking for candidates with strategic thinking, business acumen, and an understanding of risk and controls. This role is about more than just IT; it's about contributing to the overall success of the organization.
• Adaptability to Financial Regulations: The financial services sector operates within a highly regulated environment. Candidates should be prepared to understand and adhere to these stringent controls and compliance standards.

This Service Manager position at Barclays in Knutsford is more than just a job; it's a career-defining opportunity for individuals passionate about IT Service Management, strategic leadership, and making a substantial contribution to a globally recognized financial institution. By embracing the challenges and leveraging the advantages this role offers, candidates can significantly advance their professional journey.