Senior Delivery Manager → Head of Service Delivery

A realistic transition from Senior Delivery Manager to Head of Service Delivery: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 87%. Difficulty: Easy.

Difficulty: Easy5 stepsDuration: 4 to 8 monthsOverlap: 87%

Transition from Senior Delivery Manager to Head of Service Delivery.

Transferable skills

  • Service delivery strategy
  • Delivery model design
  • Executive leadership
  • Provider strategy
  • Financial planning
  • Stakeholder management

Skills to learn

  • Talent development

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Senior Delivery Manager experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Service delivery strategy
    • Delivery model design
    • Executive leadership
    • Provider strategy

    Map transferable skills — Service delivery strategy, Delivery model design, Executive leadership — against what a Head of Service Delivery needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Head of Service Delivery role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Talent development

    Technologies

    ITIL

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Talent development.

  3. 3. Get productive with the Head of Service Delivery toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    ITIL

    Be hands-on with ITIL and the rest of the target stack.

  4. 4. Practise Head of Service Delivery work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Head of Service Delivery tasks at work.

  5. 5. Get certified and position yourself as a Head of Service Delivery

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    ITIL 4 StrategistPgMPPfMPITIL 4 Leader

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Head of Service Delivery, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes