At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value service contracts and ensure customer satisfaction with the UK MoD.
- Company: Smiths Detection, a global leader in security technology.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, excellent training, and diverse benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Inclusive environment focused on safety, wellbeing, and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global security while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with UK MoD contracts and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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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. This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
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
Education/Training
- 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. 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 Group
Smiths Detection is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hemel Hempstead where you can contribute to making the world a safer place through innovative security solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, inclusive culture, and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your lifestyle, you'll find ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration with a diverse team of experts. Join us to be part of a company that values safety, wellbeing, and diversity, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
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 or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK MoD Single Source Regulations. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with the role's requirements and demonstrate your commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Bring examples of how you've successfully managed complex contracts in the past. Use metrics to highlight your achievements and how you drove efficiency and customer satisfaction.
✨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 Smiths Detection and contributing to making the world a safer place.
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 match 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. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing high-value contracts and how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders, especially within the UK MoD.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your commercial and financial skills. Talk about how you've driven revenue, controlled costs, and improved margins in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their impact on contract performance!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers website. This ensures your application gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨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 the MRO environment.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves acting as the primary customer interface, practice how you'll build rapport with UK MoD stakeholders. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships and how you can apply those skills in this new role.
✨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 cost control, forecasting, or margin improvement. Numbers speak volumes, so bring data to back up your claims!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around risk mitigation and contract changes. Prepare scenarios where you've had to navigate complex stakeholder environments or manage contract renewals, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
