Change & Release Manager 475 day rate (Inside IR35), Hybrid working
Parity is delighted to partner with our client, a public sector organisation, who are looking to recruit an experienced Change & Release Manager to join a high-profile government services environment. This role is responsible for leading change enablement activities, ensuring effective release coordination, managing service delivery risks, and driving continual service improvement across a complex IT estate.
You will act as the process owner for Change Enablement, working closely with customers, technical teams, service managers, and senior stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of services while maintaining compliance with industry and government standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage customer expectations and communicate service risks, dependencies, and impacts.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee releases and associated interdependencies.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could affect service delivery.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing expert guidance on change and release management.
- Lead resource planning, capacity forecasting, prioritisation, recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management activities.
- Manage and motivate a small team, ensuring effective development, performance, and adherence to HR policies.
- Produce management information, service reports, and improvement plans for senior stakeholders.
- Drive continual service improvement through process reviews, maturity assessments, and operational enhancements.
- Support audits and ensure compliance with ISO9001, ISO20000, and ISO27001 standards.
- Maintain process ownership, governance, training, and process advocacy across the organisation.
- Manage the performance and effectiveness of the Change Enablement team.
- Participate in an on-call rota for up to seven days per calendar month when required.
Essential Skills & Experience
- ITIL Foundation certification.
- Strong understanding of IT Service Management and Change & Release Management processes.
- Experience managing releases, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations in complex IT environments.
- Demonstrable leadership experience managing teams and driving performance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and present data effectively.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Knowledge of Service Management tooling and operational processes.
- Proven track record of delivering results and meeting performance targets.
- Experience working within government or highly regulated environments.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
- ITIL Managing Professional / Intermediate certifications.
- ITIL Specialist - Create, Deliver & Support Certification.
- ITIL Practice Manager - Plan, Implement & Control Certification.
- Agile Foundation Certification (BCS Agile Foundation or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of ISO9001, ISO20000, and ISO27001 frameworks.
- Experience with ServiceNow.
- Knowledge of UK Government Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Change & Release Manager framework.
- Qualification in Computer Science, STEM, Networking, Digital Communications, or equivalent experience.
Security Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be eligible to obtain UK Government SC Clearance (or already hold SC clearance)
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Change & Release professional to lead critical service delivery processes within a secure and mission-critical government environment.
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