Global Service Programmes and Contracts Manager

Job Description

At Smiths Detection, we develop and deliver cutting-edge threat detection and screening technologies that help make the world a safer place. Our solutions are trusted by governments, defence organisations, critical infrastructure operators, ports, borders and transportation networks around the globe.

We are seeking an experienced Global Service Contracts & Programmes Manager to join our Global Services Commercial & Strategic Programmes team. This is a highly visible role responsible for managing complex service contracts and programmes supporting key defence customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

This position offers an excellent opportunity to influence commercial performance, drive customer satisfaction, and lead strategic service programmes within a global business.

The Role

As the Global Service Contracts & Programmes Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of high-value service contracts and programmes, acting as the primary customer interface while coordinating activities across commercial, service, sales, finance and operational teams.

You will ensure contracts are delivered successfully, commercially optimised, and positioned for future growth. Working closely with defence customers and internal stakeholders, you will drive performance, manage risk, oversee financial commitments, and identify opportunities to enhance customer value and expand business relationships.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the commercial and financial management of assigned service contracts and programmes.
• Manage contract revenue, forecasting, budgeting, cost control and profitability.
• Establish and monitor KPIs relating to revenue, margin, delivery performance and customer satisfaction.
• Produce and maintain programme schedules covering maintenance activities, upgrades, engineering changes, repairs, installations and asset movements.
• Ensure contractual obligations are delivered on time, within budget and in line with customer expectations.
• Act as the primary customer contact for assigned contracts and programmes.
• Conduct regular customer review meetings and drive actions through to completion.
• Manage contract risks, mitigation plans and escalation processes.
• Support contract amendments, renewals, negotiations and approvals.
• Develop business cases and proposals for incremental growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to drive continuous improvement, efficiency and cost reduction initiatives.
• Maintain audit-ready financial records in accordance with UK MoD requirements.
• Manage subcontractor performance and ensure contractual flow-down obligations are met.
• Contribute to strategic customer account planning, forecasting and demand planning activities.

About You:

You are a commercially minded programme or contract management professional with experience delivering complex service-based contracts in a defence environment.

You thrive in customer-facing roles, enjoy solving complex challenges and have a proven track record of driving commercial and operational performance.

Essential Experience:

• Commercial management of UK MoD contracts.
• Service delivery, contract management and programme management experience.
• Management of significant multi-million-pound service contracts.
• Experience within defence, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) or related technical service environments.
• Financial management, cost control and profit improvement.
• Drafting business proposals, contract amendments and commercial documentation.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Understanding of UK MoD contracting practices and Single Source Regulations.
• Programme and project management expertise.
• Risk management and change management experience.
• Planning and schedule management capability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across multiple functions and locations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Programme Management qualification desirable.

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the programmes supported by this role, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance.

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.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

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 Detection, 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.