Service Delivery Manager: Must-Have Skills and Competencies To Get Hired Fast

Are you ready to become an IT service delivery manager?

First things first, there are key service delivery manager competencies that companies look for in their future employees. What you don’t realise is that even the most basic skills, could cost you the job you’ve been eyeing.

As with most positions, a willingness to continue up-skilling and learning is a must along with expertise with software programs.

We’ll take a tour through the skillset that you must have in order to open up a future career as an IT service delivery manager. You may be surprised at what hiring managers consider essential.

1. ITIL Certification

You may be able to get a job as a service delivery manager without the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification, but you should definitely look into this for long-term career training.

There are five certification levels from Foundation to Master. You can take the exam in more than 20 different languages.

The foundation level can get you oriented to core service delivery manager competencies. You’ll learn basic concepts, key terms, and best practices for IT service delivery.

You should already have a background in the technical aspects of IT service and understand the basics of cyber security and computer infrastructure.

Some companies make the ITIL Certification mandatory for all new employees, that’s why understanding the basics can help you progress.

2. Team Building

Depending on the size of the company, you’ll be given a range of responsibilities under your title. If your company outsources its IT operations, then you would have to manage vendors.

You could also be given the responsibility to manage and monitor the performance of staff. The role of service delivery manager covers many bases, and you have to be prepared for anything.

If you were in charge of more than a hundred co-workers, how would you approach team building? Addressing your leadership and team building plans in your interview is a must.

There are hundreds of team building ideas on the internet. Look up a few before your interview and make sure your commitment to your team and their success comes through loud and clear.

3. Writing and Presentation Skills

Discussing and presenting in front of large groups of people may seem intimidating, but reporting on a regular basis is a vital part of being an IT service delivery manager.

You need to have excellent writing skills and be thoroughly comfortable with numbers. Service delivery manager competencies must include being able to generate reports and keep upper management updated.

Is your team meeting its key performance indicators? You need to be able to own your team’s success and feel comfortable writing reports.

If presentations are not your strong suit, you can always practice in front of a smaller group of your co-workers. Ask for feedback and remain committed to improving your verbal skill set.

It can be difficult to master writing skills, but you should at least check for proper spelling and grammar before you send emails. Even if you’re just writing to one person, spelling words incorrectly can make you seem less than professional.

Employers are looking for people who already have strong writing and presentation skills, but if you’re committed to improving your skills, then you should have a pretty good chance.

4. Curiosity and the Drive to Improve

When you’re in an interview, making your case to the hiring manager, remember one thing: it’s hard to teach curiosity. Employers who are focusing on service delivery manager competencies are looking for people who have the drive to improve their skills and explore alternative solutions.

Never get too comfortable at a job. You should always be looking for opportunities that will allow yourself and your team grow and stand out. 

Technical skills can be taught, but if you have natural curiosity and ambition, you are an attractive candidate. Employers want to hire long-term employees who aren’t looking to leave after a year or two.

In an interview, emphasise your creative problem-solving skills and foresight. There are major companies hiring service delivery managers who want to gear their employees towards being the industry‘s best.

5. Microsoft Office

One of the most important areas of service delivery manager competencies is working with Microsoft Office. You need to be above proficient in MS Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.

There are classes available that can help you become more proficient. There are a few companies that would let you learn on the job, but going into an interview with an expert level understanding of Microsoft Office will help increase your chances of being hired.

You’re going to be expect to generate reports, track finances, and develop presentations. 

6. Project Management

If you are in the process of creating your resume, consider project management as an important part of service delivery manager competencies.

You have to be able to see projects through and communicate with your entire team. If you can manage personality conflicts and inspire your team to work harder, you’re already two steps ahead.

Be familiar with project management software that enables your entire team to see the same documents at the same time. You should be comfortable using this software and be ready to run several projects at once.

You should always think about potential outcomes, both positive and negative. What is the impact of this project on my company’s financial status? Can I do this better?

How are my customer service skills? Am I keeping the customer or vendor front and center in my mind?

Project management is possibly the most important of all the service delivery manager competencies. You need to make sure that all of your work is getting done on schedule without compromising quality.

More Service Delivery Manager Competencies

Although some people refer to these skills as “soft” skills, they can be really difficult to perfect.

Are you good with people management? Do you have a high emotional IQ? Knowing how to talk with your staff and inspire them to meet your team’s goals is essential.

Are you ready to stand up to customers or team members if you need to? It’s important to remain professional and helpful but be able to defend the terms of a service agreement if needed as well.

How’s your time management? How about your organisational skills? 

You want to display initiative, but you cannot take the whole day to accomplish simple tasks. 

Try to keep yourself focused and connected to your projects for a full eight hours every workday.

Are you taking too much time off? Employers consistently report that they’re looking for employees with strong work ethics. Taking off unscheduled days could hurt your entire team’s progress.

Prepare for the Interview Process

Check all of the major job boards for positions that require IT service delivery manager competencies. Can you see yourself in these roles?

Make sure that you have a copy of all of your certifications and bring them to every interview. You don’t want to have an employer waiting to see your credentials.

Create a list of all of your marketable skills. Do you qualify for the role of service delivery manager?

If you have some weak areas, ask your interviewer if the company will put in the time to train you. You might be surprised at how many companies have a dedicated training department.

You should also be in contact with a recruiter. We can help you make the switch to service delivery manager.

Preparing for your next job interview? We have some important tips for you.

How to Get Started with a Change of Career

You have to stay focused on delivering the key service delivery manager competencies. As more service delivery manager positions become available, consider meeting up with a recruitment company.

If you stay committed to providing excellent, consistent service, then you should do very well as an IT service delivery manager.

Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help you grow your career in IT!