At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value service contracts for the UK Ministry of Defence, ensuring operational excellence.
- Company: Smiths Detection, a global leader in security and threat detection technology.
- Benefits: Flexible working, excellent training, and diverse benefits to support your lifestyle.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on safety, wellbeing, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global security while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with UK MoD Single Source Regulations and strong contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Company Description
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.
Job Description
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
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
- Programme Management Qualification desirable
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
- Contract delivery, service delivery, programme management
- 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
Additional Information
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 Contracts Lead – MoD SSRO Expert in Hemel Hempstead employer: Smiths Group
At Smiths Detection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters inclusivity and professional growth. Located in Hemel Hempstead, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you engage in meaningful projects that enhance global security. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a diverse range of benefits tailored to support your lifestyle, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Service Contracts Lead – MoD SSRO Expert 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 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 be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their processes and governance, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven contract performance and improved margins in previous roles. This will demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re all about making the hiring process smooth and straightforward for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Service Contracts Lead – MoD SSRO Expert in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Service Contracts Lead role. Highlight your experience with UK MoD Single Source Regulations and any relevant defence contracting practices to show us you're the right fit.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and contract management skills. We want to see how you've driven performance and improved contract outcomes in previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application is considered, make sure to apply directly through our careers website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨Know Your MoD Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the UK MoD Single Source Regulations. This role is all about understanding these regulations inside and out, so be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience and how it relates to the job.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your track record in managing high-value defence service contracts. Highlight specific examples where you've improved contract performance, managed costs, or driven revenue growth.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves acting as the primary customer interface, think of ways to demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share experiences where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders, especially within the MoD.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly around risk mitigation and contract changes. Prepare some scenarios from your past work where you navigated challenges effectively, showcasing your project management skills.
