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.

We are seeking a high-calibre, commercially driven Global Service Programmes & Contracts Manager to lead a portfolio of complex, high-value service contracts for key global customers, with a strong focus on UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) programmes governed by the Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO).

This is a business-critical role requiring proven, hands-on experience operating within the SSRO regulatory framework. Candidates without direct SSRO experience will not be considered.

You will act as the senior commercial interface to the customer, owning contract performance end-to-end and driving delivery excellence, profitability, and long-term growth across critical defence programmes.

What you'll be doing:

• Own full P&L accountability for a portfolio of high-value (£m+) service contracts, ensuring revenue, cost, margin and cash targets are achieved
• Apply deep working knowledge of SSRO regulations (pricing, reporting, allowable costs, compliance) to ensure contract adherence and optimise commercial outcomes
• Lead contract delivery across maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), upgrades, and engineering programmes
• Develop and manage robust KPIs across financial performance, service delivery, and customer satisfaction
• Drive forecasting, budgeting and demand planning, ensuring alignment with contract baselines and SSRO requirements
• Act as the primary customer interface, leading governance reviews and building trusted client relationships within the MoD and prime contractors
• Manage and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, service, supply chain, finance and sales
• Oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring effective contractual flow-down and compliance
• Lead risk, change, and opportunity management, including contract amendments and renegotiations
• Deliver continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and improve service performance
• Support business growth through costed proposals, bids and contract renewals within an SSRO context
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and compliance processes in line with MoD and SSRO requirements

Essential Experience & Skills

• Mandatory: Proven experience operating within the SSRO framework (Single Source Contract Regulations) in a defence environment
• Demonstrable success managing high-value MoD service contracts (£multi-million)
• Strong understanding of UK defence contracting, pricing structures, and regulatory compliance
• Experience in programme / contract management within MRO or in-service support environments
• Highly developed commercial and financial acumen, including cost control, forecasting and margin optimisation
• Track record of delivering performance improvements and operational efficiencies
• Strong capability in risk management, contract negotiation, and change control
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels internally and externally
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyse performance metrics and drive decision-making

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• Programme Management Qualification desirable
• Eligible to obtain UK SC level clearance. 

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.