Principal Transition Lead

Location: Flexible (Regular UK Travel Required)

Full Time - Fixed Term - 1x 24 months and 1x 16 months

Lead complex transition programmes that shape the future of public services.

At Serco, winning and successfully mobilising major contracts is critical to delivering exceptional services for our customers. We're looking for an experienced Principal Transition Lead to join our UK & Europe Growth team, where you'll lead high-profile mobilisation and transition programmes from bid through to operational delivery. This is a strategic leadership role where you'll work alongside bid teams, customers and senior stakeholders to develop winning transition solutions, before leading complex mobilisation programmes that deliver lasting value.

If you have a proven track record of leading large-scale transformation, mobilisation or transition programmes within government, outsourcing or complex operational environments, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

As a Principal Transition Lead, you'll provide end-to-end leadership of Tier 2 mobilisation and transition programmes throughout both the sales and delivery lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the mobilisation and transition strategy for major new business and contract retention opportunities.
• Working closely with bid teams to develop compelling, deliverable transition solutions that strengthen Serco's competitive position.
• Building trusted relationships with customers, partners and suppliers throughout the bid lifecycle.
• Defining transition scope, programme plans, governance, delivery approaches, costs, risks and resource requirements.
• Leading complex mobilisation programmes across people, process, technology and data workstreams.
• Establishing robust programme governance, reporting and financial controls to ensure successful delivery.
• Managing programme risks, issues, dependencies and stakeholder expectations throughout delivery.
• Leading multidisciplinary teams across Serco, customers and delivery partners to achieve programme outcomes.
• Supporting continuous improvement by sharing best practice, lessons learned and innovative approaches across the Mobilisation, Transition & Transformation (MTT) function.
• Coaching colleagues and contributing to the ongoing development of the wider Growth team.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an experienced programme leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and can confidently engage with senior stakeholders. You'll ideally have:

• Significant experience leading large-scale mobilisation, transition or transformation programmes from bid through to operational delivery.
• Strong knowledge of UK Government procurement processes and public sector outsourcing.
• Experience developing winning bid solutions, including programme planning, mobilisation strategies and commercial costing.
• Excellent programme governance, risk management and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across business, operational and technical functions.
• Strong influencing, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior executives and customers.
• Experience working across complex organisations with multiple competing priorities.
• The ability to bring clarity to ambiguity and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Microsoft Project, SharePoint, Teams, Visio, Excel and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

Degree qualified or equivalent practical experience. MSP Practitioner (Managing Successful Programmes) certification or equivalent programme management qualification.

Why Serco?

Joining Serco means becoming part of a business that delivers essential services to millions of people every day. Our Growth team plays a pivotal role in securing and mobilising major public service contracts, helping shape the future of government services across the UK and Europe. You'll have the opportunity to work on nationally significant programmes, collaborate with experienced professionals and influence some of Serco's most important strategic opportunities.

In return, we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Bonus on target 10%
• Company Car/ Equivalent Allowance - £4200
• Private Medical Insurance
• Opportunities to work on high-profile, complex programmes.
• Career development within a global organisation.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Ready to make an impact? If you're an experienced programme leader with a passion for delivering successful mobilisation and transition programmes, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of public service delivery at Serco.

A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.

Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.