Acquisition Program Support Specialist in Bedford

Acquisition Program Support Specialist in Bedford

Bedford Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Leidos

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage acquisition programs, ensuring successful execution and collaboration across teams.
  • Company: Join Leidos, a forward-thinking company that challenges the status quo.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, innovative settings.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in complex projects while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with relevant experience; strong communication and leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

The Acquisition Program Support position is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing resources to support the successful execution of acquisition and program objectives. This role ensures programs and projects are completed within scope, schedule, and budget constraints while coordinating activities across functional teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders. The position supports program performance, resource management, risk mitigation, and compliance with organizational and customer requirements.

This role has significant impact on day-to-day program operations and may oversee projects or processes spanning multiple professional areas. Responsibilities include collaborating with program leadership, supporting financial and operational objectives, and providing guidance, coaching, and work delegation to junior team members. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills are essential to successfully manage priorities in a dynamic program environment.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the Site Lead reporting to the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager.
  • Lead day-to-day operations of program activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Coordinate across engineering, technical, and operational teams to ensure integrated solutions.
  • Monitor / Assist with program performance (cost, schedule, technical) and coordinate corrective actions with the PM / DPM.
  • Support development and execution of program plans, schedules, and budgets.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate risks; maintain risk registers and mitigation strategies.
  • Facilitate communication between stakeholders, including customers, leadership, and technical teams.
  • Conduct program analysis and provide recommendations to improve operational efficiency, acquisition strategy, and resource allocation.
  • Monitor Subcontractor performance and execution of work on site and report issues to the PM / DPM.
  • Author Statements of Work (SOWs) and associated documentation to formalize and track subcontractor performance.
  • Will be responsible for working with operations management, financial support staff, and contracts/subcontracts officers in managing a large CPFF contract.
  • Facilitate Meetings, working groups and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure effective communication and collaboration across organizations.
  • Develop and maintain acquisition documentation, program schedules, risk management plans, briefing materials, and status reports.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or Master’s degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or managing complex, multi-domain programs.
  • Strong understanding of engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., systems engineering, software development, or hardware integration).
  • Proven ability to track cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent.
  • Proven leadership experience managing programs with diverse locations and 20+ personnel.
  • Experience supporting complex defense contracts specifically with the Air Force.
  • Familiarity with Agile, DevSecOps, or systems engineering frameworks.
  • Possess strong problem-solving, organizational, and verbal/written communication skills to be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.

Acquisition Program Support Specialist in Bedford employer: Leidos

Leidos is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in Whiteley, Hampshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including a contributory pension, private medical insurance, and an impressive 33 days of annual leave, ensuring our team members are well-supported both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a market-leading operation that values your contributions and empowers you to drive meaningful change.

Leidos

Contact Details:

Leidos Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Acquisition Program Support Specialist in Bedford

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Acquisition Program Support Specialist at Leidos!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Leidos or be willing to refer you for that Acquisition Program Support Specialist position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Leidos who’s on the lookout for their next Acquisition Program Support Specialist star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Acquisition Program Support Specialist role at Leidos!

We think you need these skills to ace Acquisition Program Support Specialist in Bedford

Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Risk Management
Resource Management
Financial Analysis
Program Performance Monitoring
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Leidos. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leidos

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Leidos. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!