Program Manager (Government)
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to support United States Air Force infrastructure programmes based at RAF Mildenhall. This is a key commercial role responsible for ensuring contracts are managed effectively throughout their lifecycle, maintaining compliance, controlling commercial risk and fostering strong client and supply chain relationships.
The Role
The Program Manager is responsible for the overall management, administration and successful execution of the contract in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The postholder serves as the Contractor's primary point of contact with the Government Contracting Officer (KO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and other customer representatives, ensuring all contractual, operational, financial and performance objectives are achieved.
The Program Manager will provide strategic leadership across all contract activities, ensuring resources, personnel, quality, compliance and customer service are delivered to the highest standards while maintaining contractual compliance and achieving business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Management
- Provide overall leadership and management of the contract.
- Ensure full compliance with all requirements contained within the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
- Act as the principal liaison between the Contractor and the Government.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Government stakeholders.
- Ensure all contractual deliverables are submitted accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Lead contract mobilisation, transition and continuous improvement activities.
Programme Leadership
- Direct and coordinate all operational activities associated with contract delivery.
- Manage programme schedules, priorities and resource allocation.
- Ensure contract objectives, KPIs and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are consistently achieved.
- Identify operational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
- Lead regular programme review meetings with senior management and customer representatives.
Financial Management
- Manage contract budgets and financial performance.
- Monitor expenditure against forecasts.
- Identify efficiencies and opportunities for cost reduction.
- Support annual budgeting and financial planning activities.
- Ensure contractual profitability is maintained.
Personnel Management
- Lead, motivate and develop contract personnel.
- Conduct performance management, appraisals and succession planning.
- Ensure staffing levels meet contractual requirements.
- Promote employee engagement and professional development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all contractual, legal and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain adherence to Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), Health & Safety and Environmental standards.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Ensure corrective actions are implemented where necessary.
- Promote a culture of safety and operational excellence.
Customer Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
- Attend customer meetings and programme reviews.
- Provide timely reporting on programme performance.
- Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally.
- Identify opportunities for contract growth and additional services.
Risk Management
- Maintain programme risk and opportunity registers.
- Develop mitigation plans for identified risks.
- Ensure business continuity arrangements remain effective.
- Escalate significant programme issues appropriately.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Extensive experience managing complex Government or Defence contracts.
- Demonstrable experience managing contracts under a Performance Work Statement (PWS).
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong financial and commercial management experience.
- Experience managing customer relationships at senior level.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Experience:
- managing complex Government or Defence contracts: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- degree -Business, Engineering, Project Management (required)
Work Location: In person
