Interim Service Desk Manager (3 Days per Week)
Location: East London (Liverpool Street) – Hybrid
Start: Immediate
Duration: 2–3 months (perm replacement arriving April/May)
We are supporting a London-based organisation seeking an interim IT Service Desk Manager to keep things running smoothly during a period of transition. This role will predominantly manage one key site, working closely with suppliers, internal teams, and a remote service desk to ensure continuity of service.
This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who is firm, confident, and thick‑skinned, with strong supplier and contract management experience. You’ll be stepping in at a critical time as they approach year-end, ensuring operational stability while a permanent hire is recruited.
⭐ Key Responsibilities
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Supplier Management:
- Take control of the relationship with a major supplier
- Improve working practices and strengthen accountability
- Prepare for and attend monthly account meetings with improved reporting and escalation structure
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Operational Support & Troubleshooting:
- Manage recurring issues affecting one store
- Act as the conduit between store, supplier, and wider business
- Support ongoing projects that rely on the store as a key stakeholder
-
Contract & Invoice Management:
- Oversee invoicing (high volume approaching year‑end)
- Monitor budgets, challenge spend, and ensure value for money
-
Service Delivery Oversight:
- Support the remote in‑house service desk
- Ensure smooth onboarding tasks (e.g., preparing equipment for new starters)
- Feed updates into senior leadership meetings when required
-
Planning & Stability:
- Assess the current state of IT operations
- Map what’s coming up and create a short-term plan to “keep the lights on”
- Identify quick wins and immediate actions
🧩 What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Able to hit the ground running with minimal handover
- Strong supplier and contract management experience
- Resilient, confident, and able to challenge when needed
- People‑focused and collaborative
- Experience supporting an in‑house remote service desk
- Comfortable operating in a small, transforming team
Desirable
- Sector experience
- Strong supplier management track record (this will stand out on a CV)
🏢 The Team
You’ll join a small transformation function consisting of a few PMs and a BA, with cross‑over into governance and assurance teams. Expect close collaboration, weekly huddles, and a supportive environment, though you’ll be the practical hands-on resource in IT during this interim period.
🕒 Working Pattern
- Hybrid
- Typically 3 days per week, with 2–3 days onsite (London) depending on cost considerations
- Immediate start due to the current postholder leaving next week
