Principal Delivery Manager – Defence

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Oversee intricate, high-impact digital programs that span multiple teams, workstreams, and suppliers.

• Determine success criteria for the program, focusing on long-term outcomes, client satisfaction, and ongoing enhancements.

• Deliver senior leadership in project execution while balancing client priorities, commercial goals, and employee impact.

• Establish program direction, synchronize plans, and manage dependencies, risks, and delivery obstacles.

• Take ownership of the program's financial performance, including profitability targets, cost forecasting, and revenue and margin reporting.

• Ensure adherence to contracts and commercial conditions.

• Cultivate strong relationships with Director and C-level stakeholders.

• Identify and nurture opportunities for expanding Defence sector accounts.

• Contribute to account strategies, engage in customer discussions, and assist with proposals, bids, and presentations.

• Collaborate with Sales, Account Leads, and Account Management to shape client interactions.

• Build inclusive, high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

• Lead, coach, and develop delivery leaders and program teams.

• Manage capacity and staffing across projects while supporting onboarding processes.

• Play a role in recruitment, succession planning, and the growth of delivery capabilities.

• Establish program governance, accountability, decision-making processes, and technical quality standards.

• Administer program risks, issues, and dependencies while providing assurance across workstreams and suppliers.

• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, non-disclosure, and information security standards.

• Foster innovation and implement enhancements that boost efficiency and client value.

• Share insights and contribute to ongoing improvements throughout Kainos.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience in delivering complex digital programs within a consultancy, professional services, or similar setting.

• Background in digital delivery and stakeholder management in a challenging environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives across various teams and suppliers.

• Familiarity with Agile delivery methodologies.

• Proven ability to achieve successful outcomes while balancing client needs, commercial objectives, and delivery effectiveness.

• Experience in establishing program governance and managing risks, issues, and assurance in complex delivery contexts.

• Skilled in building trusted relationships and influencing senior stakeholders, including Directors and C-level executives.

• Experience in guiding, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams, including line management duties.

• Exceptional communication, influencing, and decision-making abilities.

• Willingness to work on customer sites and travel when necessary.

• Active SC clearance is required.

• Must have resided in the UK continuously for the past 5 years and complete background checks.

• Desirable: experience in central government, healthcare, defence, or another highly regulated sector.

• Desirable: broad technology expertise and awareness of emerging trends, including AI.

• Desirable: experience in business development and account growth.

• Desirable: proven record of securing follow-on work or expanding existing client relationships.

• Desirable: experience in enhancing management, delivery, or leadership practices.

🏝️ Benefits

• People-first culture.

• Support for employee growth and development.

• Diverse and inclusive workplace.

• Recruitment accommodations and adjustments tailored to candidate needs.