Job overview
This position entails managerial responsibility for the efficient and effective operation of the Systems Help Desk. The post holder will serve as the Systems Help Desk Manager on projects requiring specialist knowledge of operational processes. These projects will vary in scope and complexity and may require oversight of other team members involved in their execution. A critical component of this role is the strategic planning, coordination, and management of operational requirements to ensure objectives are met, alongside the production of relevant reports to demonstrate progress.
Previous applicants need not apply
Main duties of the job
As an integral member of the team, the post holder will:
• Oversee Business System Administration for the live operation of all systems.
• Develop and provide routine operational guidance and user support, including system maintenance.
• Lead and contribute to projects focused on the support and advancement of the clinical information system.
• Drive the continuous development of all systems, ensuring the realisation of their benefits.
Members of the Systems Team are expected to act as change agents and champions of the system, fostering engagement and supporting Trust staff in all forms of electronic record keeping.
Additionally, the role involves actively reviewing, managing, and enhancing customer service support, system corrections, and training across all systems managed within the Systems Team.
The Systems Help Desk Manager is responsible for the governance and oversight of the help desk, ensuring the team is empowered to achieve its operational and business objectives while maintaining financial accountability. The post holder is expected to identify opportunities for cost savings and profitability improvements, while also enhancing the profile and effectiveness of the service desk operation.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
1. 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
2. Excellent pension
3. Cycle to work scheme
4. Salary sacrifice car scheme
5. Wellbeing programme
Person specification
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
6. The ability to work unsocial hours, as the need arises
7. Car driver required (except where a supported driver arrangement can be provided under the Disability Discrimination Act
8. Flexibility is essential as taking part in On Call out of hours rota is necessary to support the needs of the business
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
9. Educated to degree level or possess equivalent level of experience
10. Project Management Qualification ( Prince 2) or equivalent level of experience
11. ITIL 4 Foundation level
12. Service Desk qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
13. Management or leadership training
Skills/Experience
Essential criteria
14. Experience of managing a Service Desk function within a large and complex organisation
15. Excellent inter-personal skills: diplomatic and able to inspire users and team confidence
16. Experience in producing performance reports for senior management
17. Ability to work well under pressure and at a high work rate
18. Demonstrable contribution to the delivery of successful projects
19. Experience of operating systems and back-end software
20. Experience of staff supervision and appraisals
21. Experience in continual service improvement of the Service Desk function
22. Implementing change within the Help Desk function and wider organisation
23. Undertaking internal and external service review meetings
24. A working knowledge of the processes operated by GMMH services who operate systems
25. Managing projects using recognised project management approaches
26. Using initiative, prioritising workload and managing competing demands
27. Expertise in using a range of MS Office Packages
28. Facilitating groups to reach a shared goal
Desirable criteria
29. User Acceptance Testing of electronic systems
Knowledge
Essential criteria
30. Knowledge of delivering services in an ITIL service environment Knowledge
31. Expert Knowledge of Service Desk standards and principles
32. High awareness of Customer Care - the Help Desk is a high profile function and is the users' first point of contact
33. ITIL principles and procedures
34. DoH Clinical safety requirements for electronic systems
Other Abilities
Essential criteria
35. Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills to communicate to a wide range of stakeholders
36. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other colleagues
37. Ability to coach team members and provide necessary training to improve skillsets
38. Ability to motivate, influence and negotiate with others
39. Ability to problem solve and take appropriate actions
40. Demonstrable, sound organisational skills and ability to work to deadlines
41. Customer service orientated
42. Determined, driven & decisive
43. Able to respond to ever changing requirements and demands
44. Ability to gain commitment and support of peers
45. The ability to drive and adopt change
46. Negotiation, influencing and persuading skills
47. Responsive to change and ideas; adaptable and flexible working pattern
48. Ability to deal confidently with third party suppliers and build effective working relationships
Desirable criteria
49. Ability to disseminate complex information to others
50. Ability to use data to make recommendations
51. Ability to interpret requirements to achieve shared goals
The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer.
The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications
A candidate may utilise the help of AI when writing job application. The assessment of an application is made on its entirety and most times AI-generated content does not fully grasp the context and requirements of the job one applies for thus producing inaccurate and misleading information, especially in the supporting statement section of an application that can lack real life examples of one’s achievements, success and challenges.
We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored. GMMH reserves the right to follow up with a candidate at the interview on specific responses and those examples used in the supporting statement to explore it further.
Sponsorship
We are proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa. Applications from individuals who require sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Please be aware that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and salary requirements on the UK Government’s website – click .
If you are offered a role with us and you require sponsorship, we will check your eligibility in line with the information on the above website. Your offer of employment could be withdrawn if the role is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not otherwise able to evidence your right to work in the UK.
The Home Office introduces new changes from 22/07/2025 that impact the health and care sector, you may wish to familiarise with it.
Do you have experience outside the NHS?
We want to attract and retain people with diverse skills and experience, to deliver inclusive healthcare services to our communities.
We will consider relevant experience outside the NHS to calculate your salary on appointment.