IT Senior Change Manager

Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department: Service Management

Closing Date: 26 February 2025

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: Not Applicable

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

The Open University is a unique institution created 50 years ago to open up education for all. We are open to anyone, anywhere, changing millions of lives across the world and always looking for new ways to help people succeed. Our pioneering use of innovative methods, such as our BBC partnership, means we reach more people than any other university.

Digital Services bring trusted design, data and technology know-how to the delivery of lifelong learning. Digital Services are responsible for the digital information, systems and technologies used by staff and students across The Open University. Covering all aspects of digital technology at the OU, from sourcing and maintaining systems, through to providing frontline IT support for staff and students.

The role holder has responsibility for the Change Management process and its operational implementation across all Open University digital and IT services.

A primary focus for the role holder at this time is to support the Digital Transformation of the Digital Services teams - although we have a mature process in place based on ITILv3 we are looking to move to ITILv4 and update the process to better enable modern, agile service development and management practices.

The successful candidate will take the lead in assessing business and development needs, designing, updating and automating the existing processes, and working closely with all colleagues in implementing the updated process for new and existing services and ensuring that they are tailored for different methodologies including agile and more traditional approaches.

• Review the existing Change Management Process and update it to align with modern delivery practices and business/regulatory requirements.
• Offer collaborative support to multiple product teams across Digital Service to integrate change management processes with existing tools (e.g., CI/CD pipelines, ITSM tools), enabling them to implement changes with maximum efficiency and safety.
• Ensure all Changes are managed according to the Change Management process, including leading Change Advisory Board (CAB).
• Engage with internal and external auditors/previous audits to ensure that Changes are being correctly recorded and managed.
• Liaise with stakeholders and technical staff.
• Ensure relevant KPIs are defined and reported correctly.

• Provide support and assistance to all Service Management functions.
• Other duties as may be required by the line manager, from time to time or as the nature of the role evolves commensurate with the job grade.
• Deputise for the Head of IT Service Management as may be required.

Essential:

• Formal ITILv4 certification(s).
• Evidence of a sound practical experience of operational Change Management in a complex business environment.
• Experience of introducing agile and automated change processes in more traditional environments and operating both together.
• Strong change management experience in environments that include autonomous teams adopting modern software engineering practices (e.g. DevOps, Automated CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code).
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, written, communication, negotiating, influencing and team working skills.
• An excellent customer service approach and a natural inclination to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to provide management information and data on IT services and systems.
• Flexibility of approach and a desire to continuously identify ways to make processes more efficient over time.

Desirable:

• Additional relevant ITILv4 certifications above Foundation.
• A knowledge of Risk Management.
• Experience of working with Microsoft Azure DevOps environments.

To apply for this role please submit the following document/s:

• CV
• Optional: Supporting Statement up to 1,000 words; you can provide additional examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role if you would like to expand on the information in your CV.

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it's a part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We anticipate this being approximately twice per month.

Early Close: We reserve the right to close adverts sooner than the closing date.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact: .