At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value service contracts, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Smiths Detection, a global leader in security technology.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, flexible benefits, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Inclusive environment celebrating diversity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with UK MoD contracts and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. Smiths Detection, a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security. Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
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
- Essential: 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
- This role requires 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
We Offer
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 colour, 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.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers – Smiths Group plc).
Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager in Hemel Hempstead employer: Smiths Detection
At Smiths Detection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hemel Hempstead that fosters professional growth and development. Our commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package and strong leadership support, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to our mission of making the world a safer place. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovation and excellence in security solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with UK MoD contracts. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK MoD Single Source Regulations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their processes and how you can drive contract performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed high-value service contracts and improved performance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Smiths Detection.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager role. 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 this role. Mention specific examples of your past successes in managing high-value contracts and how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders, especially within the UK MoD.
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved contract performance or driven efficiency in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Detection
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of UK MoD Single Source Regulations and defence contracting practices. Brush up on your knowledge about the specific challenges and requirements of managing high-value service contracts, especially in MRO environments.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves acting as the primary customer interface, practice how you'll build rapport with stakeholders, particularly those from the UK MoD. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships and how you can apply that here.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your track record in driving commercial performance. Highlight specific instances where you've improved contract performance through effective cost control, forecasting, or margin improvement. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around risk mitigation and contract changes. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex situations, demonstrating your ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results.
