At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value service contracts and ensure customer satisfaction with the UK MoD.
- Company: Dynamic defence company focused on operational excellence and customer success.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, inclusive environment, and flexible benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Hemel Hempstead with a focus on safety and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while working with key global customers.
- Qualifications: Experience with UK MoD contracts and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Global Service Contracts & Programmes Manager to lead the delivery and performance of complex, high‑value service contracts for key global customers. This role is critical in ensuring commercial success, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across a portfolio of defence maintenance programmes, with a particular focus on contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). A deep understanding and proven experience with UK MoD Single Source Regulations is essential for success in this role. Whilst we are based in Hemel Hempstead, this role is very much hybrid. Due to the level of UK security clearance required for this role, we can’t consider applicants from outside of the UK or those with dual citizenship.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the end‑to‑end management of major service contracts, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to agreed margins
- Acting as the primary customer interface, building strong relationships with UK MoD stakeholders
- Driving commercial performance, including revenue, cost control, forecasting, and margin improvement
- Developing and managing programme schedules across maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and engineering changes
- Establishing and tracking KPIs across delivery, financial performance, and customer satisfaction
- Ensuring full compliance with UK MoD Single Source Regulations, including audit readiness and cost justification
- Identifying and mitigating risks, managing contract changes, renewals, and renegotiations
- Leading improvements to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance contract performance
- Coordinating cross‑functional teams and subcontractors to deliver against contractual requirements
- Supporting growth through identification and development of new business opportunities within existing contracts
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience managing high‑value defence service contracts, ideally within MRO environments
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with a track record of improving contract performance
- Hands‑on experience with UK MoD Single Source Regulations (SSRO) and defence contracting practices
- Experience working directly with UK MoD customers and their governance processes
- Skilled in contract negotiation, change management, and risk mitigation
- Strong programme and project management capability
- Ability to operate effectively in a complex, global stakeholder environment
- Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship‑building skills
Education / Training
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
Experience
- Demonstrable experience working with UK MoD Single Source Regulations (SSRO)
- Commercial management of contracts with UK MoD, their processes and accounting practices
- Management and optimisation of significant £m contracts for service, delivery of contract improvements
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul business in a Defence market setting
- Drafting business proposals and contract amendments, costing
Benefits
Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective. We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager employer: Smiths Detection
As a Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager, you will thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment that prioritises your career growth and wellbeing. Based in Hemel Hempstead, this hybrid role offers the flexibility to balance work and life while engaging with key stakeholders in the UK Ministry of Defence, ensuring operational excellence and commercial success. With a strong commitment to diversity and a focus on employee development, this company stands out as an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with the UK MoD. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK MoD Single Source Regulations. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it can benefit our service contracts. Practice common interview questions related to contract management and customer relations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and news related to defence contracts. This knowledge can give you an edge in discussions and interviews, showing that you're not just qualified but also passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with UK MoD Single Source Regulations and any relevant defence service contracts you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager role. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing high-value contracts and building relationships with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your commercial and financial skills. Talk about how you've driven performance improvements in past roles, especially in MRO environments. We love seeing numbers and results that back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Detection
✨Know Your MoD Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the UK MoD Single Source Regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.
✨Showcase Your Contract Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed high-value service contracts. Highlight your achievements in improving contract performance and how you’ve driven commercial success.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Be ready to share instances where you’ve effectively engaged with stakeholders, particularly within the MoD, and how you’ve maintained strong communication throughout.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Practice articulating how you would handle risks, contract changes, or negotiations, ensuring you highlight your strategic thinking and decision-making processes.
