Lead Change & Release Manager - Civil Service (Permanent)
Location: London, Blackpool, Durham or Glasgow (3 days on-site)
Salary: £49,000 - £56,500 + 28% Civil Service Pension
We're looking for a seasoned Lead Change & Release Manager to join a key UK government department, playing a strategic role in the safe and efficient delivery of change across a complex and fast-paced digital estate. This is a permanent opportunity to help shape best practice in service management and lead a small team delivering high-impact outcomes.
About the Role:
As the Lead Change & Release Manager, you'll own the overarching change and release management strategy, ensuring seamless integration of services and technologies across the organisation. You'll be responsible for setting direction, coaching colleagues, and embedding governance frameworks that support agile, scalable, and secure change.
This role requires a strong foundation in ITIL service management, Enterprise Service Management (ESM) principles, and an applied understanding of Agile, LEAN, or DevOps approaches to software delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the planning, coordination, and governance of change and release activities across multiple delivery streams.
* Set and maintain standards for ITIL-aligned change and release management, adapting them to a modern delivery environment.
* Support and coach a team of change/release professionals and collaborate with product, infrastructure, and delivery teams.
* Provide strategic oversight of risk, compliance, and business impact of releases.
* Drive continuous improvement of change and release practices, leveraging ESM frameworks and agile delivery methods.
Requirements:
* Extensive experience in a senior or lead role in Change and Release Management within an IT service environment.
* Expert understanding of ITIL processes, particularly in Change and Release.
* Familiarity with Enterprise Service Management tools and frameworks.
* Strong understanding of Agile, DevOps, or LEAN delivery models.
* Experience working in large, complex organisations with multiple stakeholder groups.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Location and Working Pattern:
This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week on-site at one of the following Civil Service locations:
* London
* Blackpool
* Durham
* Glasgow
Benefits:
* £49,000 - £56,500 per annum, depending on experience
* Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28%
* Flexible working and generous annual leave
* Excellent training, development, and progression opportunities
* The chance to lead change that supports millions of UK citizens