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