Programme Manager
Location: Reading - hybrid (3 days per week onsite)
Duration: Until 23rd April 2027
Rate: £87.16 p/h Umbrella
IR35: Inside
Clearance: SC Clearance is mandatory, DV is preferred - UK Eyes Only
Overview
Our client, a leading organisation within the defence and security sector, is seeking a Programme Manager with strong IT supplier management expertise to support strategic supplier governance and service delivery. The role offers the opportunity to work within a highly regulated aerospace and defence environment, based in Reading on a hybrid basis with three days onsite each week.
Responsibilities:
Support the definition and execution of the IT supplier strategy in alignment with business, technology and value stream objectives
* Manage the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, including evaluation, selection, tendering, contract negotiation, performance management and offboarding
* Establish and operate a robust IT supplier governance framework, including service level agreements and performance metrics
* Act as a key liaison between Digital Information teams, business stakeholders, procurement, finance and external suppliers
* Lead supplier review meetings to monitor customer satisfaction, service quality and SLA performance
* Identify and resolve supplier service gaps, risks, compliance issues and performance concerns
* Support budget management, cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement across the IT supplier portfolio
* Participate in key service and business meetings, including Change Advisory Boards and IT operations meetings
Skillset/experience required:
Experience in IT supplier management, including supplier identification, evaluation, contracting, performance management and offboarding
* Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex IT contracts, ideally within an international or highly regulated environment
* Understanding of IT compliance, risk management and regulatory requirements
* Experience defining and implementing IT supplier strategies and governance frameworks
* Good knowledge of the IT supplier landscape, including system integrators and their service offerings
* Strong process creation, stakeholder management and communication skills
* Demonstrable experience improving supplier performance, cost effectiveness and customer satisfaction
* Background delivering architecture or technology services within MOD, Defence Digital or UK aerospace environments
Desirable:
* CIPS, ITIL, PMP or related professional certification
* Experience managing or overseeing the transition of IT supplier contracts between legal entities
* Experience supporting tendering, contract renewal and supplier transition programmes
