Service Desk Team Lead

Version 1 are a true global leader in business transformation. For nearly three decades, we have been strategically partnering with customers to go beyond expectations through the power of cutting-edge technology and expert teams. Our deep expertise in cloud, data and AI, application modernisation, and service delivery management has redefined businesses globally, helping shape the future for large public sector organisations and major global, private brands.

We put users and user-centric design at the heart of everything we do, enabling our customers to exceed expectations for their customers. Our approach is underpinned by the Version 1 Strength in Balance model – a balanced focus across our customers, our people and a strong organisation. This model is guided by core values that are embedded in every aspect of what we do.

Our customers' need for transformation is our driving force. We enable them to accelerate their journey to their digital future with our deep expertise and innovative approach. Our global technology partners – Oracle, Microsoft, AWS, Red Hat, and Snowflake – help us tackle any challenge by leveraging a technology-driven approach. Our people unlock our potential. They immerse themselves into the world of our customers to truly understand the unique challenges they face.

Our teams, made up of highly skilled, passionate individuals, act with agility and integrity. We continually invest in their development and foster a culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. This is a reflection of our Strength in Balance model, which emphasises a balanced focus on our customers, our people, and a strong organisation.

Through our comprehensive range of Managed Service offerings, we take ownership of the tasks that distract Customers from what really matters; driving their business objectives and strategic initiatives. We enable them to save time, and reduce costs and risk, by continually improving your technology estates, ensuring they drive value for their business.

Go beyond simply 'keeping the lights on' and embrace the potential of our ASPIRE Managed Services that place AI, continuous improvement and business innovation at the heart of everything we do. From operational maintenance through to optimisation, we are trusted managed service experts with a sustainable, value-led approach and a wealth of industry sector expertise and experience.

Our ASPIRE Global Service Centre is the central hub of our Service Management operations. Beyond a traditional Service Desk, it stands as the central authority and shared service delivery hub, orchestrating all operational workflows, processes, procedures, and tooling. It's a core delivery component of the Version 1 ASPIRE Managed Services offering that places AI, continuous improvement and business innovation at the heart of everything Version 1 does. With a focus on supporting self-service and automation, we utilise the best digital capabilities of the ServiceNow ITSM tooling product to provide the very best Experience to our Customers.

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Level 1/Level 2 IT Service Desk Team Leader. 

Working with your three peers to the Service Desk Manager, to oversee our IT service desk operations 24/7 at the Global Service Centre. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader and will manage a team of service desk analysts globally at both Level 1 and Level 2 skills, ensuring the delivery of high-quality IT support and excellent customer service to our organization's Customers. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, technical expertise, staff management and a customer-centric approach to managing IT support services. This role is highly suited to a person who has started from the ground up in a Service Desk environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of service desk analysts.
• Establish performance objectives and provide regular feedback through performance evaluations.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Oversee daily service desk activities, ensuring prompt resolution of incidents and service requests.
• Responsible for all major incidents, utilising your team's engagement.
• Monitor service desk performance metrics, such as first-call resolution rate, response time, and ticket backlog.
• Manage the digital handover to the next shift team leader for seamless service.
• Manage and prioritize workload, including escalations and major incident handling.
• Ability and willingness to be active in ticket handling and resolutions.
• Identifying continuous improvements, including for shift-left and automation.
• Ensure a high standard of customer service by monitoring end-user feedback and addressing any concerns.
• Support the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the end-user experience, including the use of digital contact channels and automated workflows.
• Act as a point of contact for key stakeholders regarding service desk performance, including complaints and plaudits.
• Support the development, documenting, and maintaining of service desk processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards, including ITIL practices.
• Identify and implement improvements to service desk tools and workflows.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to ensure alignment and efficiency across all IT operations.
• The creation and maintenance of knowledge base articles and guides to aid in L1/L2 technical resolutions.
• Provide technical guidance to the service desk team, assisting with complex issues as needed.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and recommend tools to improve service desk functionality.
• Support the generation of regular reports on service desk performance and trends.
• Analyse data to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans accordingly.
• Flexibility to work in a rotating shift pattern, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills, Education & Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT support, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of managing a service desk team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, systems, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience with service desk management tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira, Zendesk).
• Knowledge of ITIL frameworks and best practices; ITIL certification preferred.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality support.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability to evolving technologies and processes.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Support.
• Knowledge of AWS and Azure fundamentals.
• Proficiency in Active Directory and Group Policy Support.
• Strong technical proficiency in Windows Server and Linux (preferable) operating systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• ITIL Version 4 Foundation Level certification.
• Relevant Technical Certifications.

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their well-being, professional growth, and financial stability.

One of our standout advantages is the ability to work with a hybrid schedule along with business travel, allowing our employees to strike a balance between work and life. We also offer a range of tech-related benefits, including an innovative Tech Scheme to help keep our team members up-to-date with the latest technology.

We prioritise the health and safety of our employees, providing private medical and life insurance coverage, as well as free eye tests and contributions towards glasses. Our team members can also stay ahead of the curve with incentivized certifications and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.

Our employee-designed Profit Share scheme divides a portion of our company's profits each quarter amongst employees. We are dedicated to helping our employees reach their full potential, offering Pathways Career Development Quarterly, a programme designed to support professional growth.