April 2025
I’m Conner McManus, Director Consulting Delivery for End User Compute (EUC) in CGI’s Global Technology Operations (GTO) business unit. My role involves overseeing teams of EUC Engineers, Managers, and Technical Architects who support over 250,000 devices for CGI clients across the UK. My focus is on delivering exceptional service, fostering innovation and ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining a strong balance between client and partner satisfaction.
Beyond technical delivery, I’m passionate about mentoring and supporting team development, helping CGI Partners achieve their professional goals. I also play a strategic role in aligning EUC services with evolving client needs and industry trends, ensuring we remain a trusted partner in digital transformation.
From service desk to leadership
My CGI journey began in 2014 as a Service Desk Analyst. Over the years I transitioned through multiple roles, gaining experience in device lifecycle management (DLM), project implementation and technical operations. In October 2021, I became DLM Manager, leading the team through a period of expansion and transformation. Over 18 months, we grew by more than 100%, evolving into today’s GTO EUC service. In April 2023, I stepped into my current role as EUC Director Consulting Delivery, where I oversee the strategic delivery of end-user computing services, ensuring high-quality, efficient solutions for our clients.
Throughout my career at CGI, I’ve had the opportunity to take on challenging projects, contribute to innovation and develop as a leader, all of which have shaped my career and deepened my passion for the work we do.
Why GTO? A career built on opportunity
What first attracted me to GTO and what keeps me here is the endless opportunities for growth and development. Over the past 11 years, I’ve never felt the need to look elsewhere because GTO has consistently invested in my professional and personal growth.
GTO offers a unique, highly visible environment, delivering managed services that integrate seamlessly across the business. This has given me a comprehensive understanding of operations, a strong professional network and exposure to diverse service offerings. The collaborative culture and focus on innovation and excellence make GTO a place where I feel challenged, valued and inspired to contribute to its success.
Evolving roles and growing responsibilities
Every step of my GTO career has presented new opportunities and challenges, shaping me into the leader I am today.
- As an Engineer, I spent several months onsite at a Watford Hospital, ensuring client needs were met during a particularly demanding period.
- During COVID-19, I contributed to the design and deployment of kiosk machines to support the national vaccination rollout.
- As an EUC Manager and later Director, I’ve overseen team expansion, service modernisation and the evolution of EUC offerings.
Each transition has required adaptability, forward-thinking and a commitment to delivering excellence. My role continues to evolve alongside the transformation of our services and I look forward to the future of EUC at CGI.
A Culture of support and development
GTO has supported my professional development from day one. My journey started with comprehensive training, equipping me with the foundational skills I needed to succeed. From there, I sought out additional tasks, volunteered for projects and built a strong network of colleagues who have been an invaluable resource throughout my career.
CGI’s commitment to learning and growth has allowed me to:
- Gain formal qualifications, such as ITIL certification
- Participate in leadership development programs
- Build the confidence and expertise needed to transition into leadership roles.
The time, investment and support CGI has provided have been instrumental in my career progression from an entry-level role to a leadership position overseeing a national service.
Lessons learned through challenges
One of the most demanding times in my career came after becoming DLM Manager, when I was responsible for scaling services, navigating organisational changes and onboarding new clients, all while maintaining high service standards. The support from my peers, Directors, and Vice President during this time reinforced what makes GTO unique, you’re never alone and support is always available. I now make it a priority to offer that same level of support to my teams, ensuring they always feel empowered to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Today, in my role as Director Consulting Delivery, I face daily challenges, client escalations, shifting priorities and complex problem-solving. But each challenge presents an opportunity to learn, improve and refine my leadership approach.
Looking ahead: The future of EUC and GTO
In the coming years, my focus is on driving the continued evolution of EUC services. My priorities include:
- Expanding our team and growing our impact, building on the success of the past three years
- Maintaining operational excellence, even as we scale
- Investing in talent development, ensuring every CGI Partner has clear career progression opportunities
- Driving innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance service delivery.
Our 2024 goal was to reach 100 CGI partners in EUC and I’m committed to growing this number further, building a high-performing network of skilled engineers across the UK.
Excited for the future
What excites me most about the future at CGI is the continued opportunity for growth, innovation and collaboration. Over the past 11 years, GTO has invested in me and I’m eager to give back by supporting our teams, expanding our services and helping others develop their careers.
I look forward to embracing new challenges, driving innovation and shaping the future of EUC at CGI. If you’re looking for a career that offers growth, challenge, and the chance to make a real impact, GTO is the perfect place to build your future.
