Service Design and Transition Manager (Contract)

Northern Ireland Water Limited; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in Belfast is seeking an experienced Service Design & Transition Manager. The ideal candidate will lead complex IT service design and transition programmes, ensuring governance and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include overseeing delivery, managing stakeholders, and ensuring efficient service models. A strong background in IT service management and exceptional leadership skills are essential. The role offers a hybrid work environment with a competitive daily rate.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in IT Service Design and Transition Management across complex environments.
• Proven track record in managing transformation programmes and system changes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full life-cycle transition delivery across multiple programmes.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders to ensure project alignment.
• Apply SOPs and lead service readiness activities for smooth go-lives.

Skills

IT Service Design

Transition Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

Job description

MCS Group has a superb contract opportunity for an experienced Service Design & Transition Manager to lead complex IT service design and transition programmes from inception through to operational readiness. This role is ideal for a structured, adaptable leader who thrives in fast-paced delivery environments and can bring clarity, governance, and operational excellence to large-scale service transitions. Coming from either a Professional Services or Technology background, you will have extensive, demonstrable experience of managing multiple technical work-streams concurrently, bringing projects through to completion.

The Role

• Oversee full life-cycle transition delivery, managing scope, timelines, quality, and outcomes across multiple concurrent programmes.
• Provide direction and leadership to cross-functional teams, ensuring accountability, cohesion, and consistent progress.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment, expectation management, and confidence throughout delivery.
• Embed IT Service Design principles and operational best practices into all transition plans, ensuring efficient and sustainable service models.
• Identify risks early, track dependencies, and implement mitigation and corrective actions as needed.
• Manage structured handovers from project initiation through delivery and into BAU service towers.
• Apply SOPs and lead service readiness activities, including service rehearsal testing, to ensure smooth go-lives.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and promote best practices across the wider delivery community.

The Person

• Extensive experience in IT Service Design and Transition Management across complex, multi-threaded delivery environments is essential.
• Prior experience of managing transformation programmes, technical integrations, and system changes/implementations.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to guide teams and manage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and strong documentation discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into clear language for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload, shifting priorities, and deadlines under pressure.

Location: Belfast (hybrid)
Duration: 6 months
IR35: Inside
Assignment Rate: Circa £500 per day via Umbrella

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Jill Johnston, Head of IT Contracts, at MCS Group 02896 935 509

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.

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