fiche metier sdm

Service Delivery Manager (SDM)

fiche métier service delivery manager

Role of the Service Delivery Manager

The Service Delivery Manager (SDM), also known as the Project Delivery Manager, is responsible for the quality and continuity of services. They ensure that contractual commitments (SLAs) are met and that customer expectations are satisfied. They act as the main point of contact between the company and its customers. He or she supervises the management of incidents and changes, and the coordination of teams.

Drawing on their project management, communication and leadership skills, SDMs optimise processes to ensure the profitability of services. They anticipate customer needs and adapt to the specific features of each project.

This profession belongs to the field of project management.

SDM tasks

  • He transforms customer expectations ( SLR - Service Level Requirement) into formalised commitments ( SLA - Service Level Agreement) and ensures that they are met throughout the service.
  • He supervises incident management and coordinates the technical, sales and support teams to resolve problems as quickly as possible.
  • As the main point of contact for customers, he listens to their needs, proposes appropriate solutions and ensures their ongoing satisfaction.
  • He/she identifies opportunities for optimising services to improve processes and customer satisfaction.
  • He/she manages the operational budget for services (monitoring expenditure, regular reporting).

In short, his role is to act as a triangulator between customers, technical teams and management. He/she analyses customer expectations, translates them into objectives for the technical teams and informs management of the results obtained.

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Skills of the Service Delivery Manager

Technical skills

  • Mastery of ITIL processes and IT governance principles. Use of ServiceNow or BMC Remedy tools.
  • Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, plan resources and monitor deadlines ( project management ) using Jira, Monday or Microsoft Project tools.
  • Analysis of performance data to identify problems and trends. Use of Power BI, Excel or Google Sheets.
  • Legal knowledge and ability to manage contracts, compliance and commercial disputes.
  • Good understanding of technologies used for service delivery.
  • Fluency in English.

5 essential soft skills

  • Communication skills, as they manage negotiations and resolve problems diplomatically.
  • Leadership, as you mobilise and coordinate teams to achieve objectives.
  • Organisation, as they manage several projects and priorities while respecting deadlines and commitments.
  • Customer focus, as they listen to customers' needs and propose appropriate solutions to ensure their satisfaction.
  • Problem solving, because you react to incidents and propose solutions to minimise their impact.
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Education and training for Service Delivery Managers

Candidates generally have a 5-year degree in IT, information systems management, management, cybersecurity or marketing. Specialisation in project management is appreciated.

Professional certifications are valued:

  • ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) enables you to master best practice in IT service management.
  • PMP or Prince2 project management certifications.

In addition, an excellent command of English is required, given the frequent collaboration with international clients.

Possible career paths

The job of SDM can offer opportunities for internal and external career development. Thanks to the experience gained in service management, customer relations and team coordination, an SDM can progress to management positions such as Director of Operations (COO) or Director of Services (CIO).

Depending on their skills and the needs of the company, SDMs may take up positions such as Technical Coordinator, IT Project Manager or Quality Manager. If they are looking for a more technical career, they may move into positions such as ITIL Consultant, IT Trainer or IT Process Auditor.

Our latest job offers SDM

Business Relationship Manager M/F - CDI - Ile de France
Ile de France
Permanent position
We are looking for a Business Relationship Manager for our client in the banking sector. You will work in the Production/Customer division.