Principal Delivery Manager (Defence)

Join Kainos and Shape the Future At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

As a Principal Delivery Manager at Kainos, you’ll lead the successful delivery of complex digital transformation programmes across in one of our Sector client in Defence. You’ll create the conditions for multiple multidisciplinary teams and suppliers to deliver measurable outcomes, while maintaining clear governance, strong commercial performance and trusted senior client relationships.

You’ll work with Director and C-level stakeholders to understand their priorities, shape delivery strategy and identify opportunities to deepen our relationships and grow our accounts. You’ll also take ownership of capacity and resourcing across your engagements, working closely with account teams and BU Operations to ensure we have the right people in place.

At Kainos, we put people first. You’ll lead, coach and empower delivery teams, helping individuals thrive while contributing to the continued development of our Sector business and wider Delivery capability.

You will be responsible for:

Delivery

• Lead complex, high-value digital programmes across multiple teams, workstreams and suppliers, ensuring delivery is aligned to strategic goals and achieves measurable outcomes for customers and end users.

• Define the critical success factors for each programme, going beyond time, budget and scope to include long-term impact, client satisfaction and continuous improvement.

• Provide senior delivery leadership in fast-moving and challenging environments, making reasoned decisions that balance client priorities, Kainos commercial interests and the impact on our people.

• Create clarity across programmes by setting direction, aligning plans and ensuring dependencies, risks and delivery challenges are actively managed.

Commercial and account growth

• Take ownership of programme financial performance, meeting or exceeding agreed profitability targets and ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting of cost, revenue and margin.

• Understand the contracts and commercial terms that apply to your programmes, ensuring Kainos is protected, and delivery remains compliant.

• Build trusted relationships with Director and C-level stakeholders, proactively managing expectations, and strengthening confidence in Kainos as a delivery partner.

• Identify and develop opportunities to grow the Sector accounts you support, contributing to account strategy, customer conversations, proposals, bids and pitches.

• Work closely with Sales, Account Leads and Account Management teams to shape compelling responses that reflect client needs, procurement requirements, and evolving priorities.

Team and capability leadership

• Create an inclusive, high-performing environment where multidisciplinary teams can do their best work, learn, and continuously improve.

• Lead, coach and develop delivery leaders and programme teams, setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback and supporting meaningful development objectives.

• Take ownership of capacity and staffing across your engagements, working with BU Operations to anticipate demand, make effective resourcing de...