Programme Manager

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