C005419 Senior Project Transition Manager (NS) – MON 5 Oct

Overview

We are representing a confidential international defense organization seeking a Senior Project Transition Manager for a critical engagement in Wiesbaden, Germany. This is a full-time, on-site contract position running from November 2026 through December 2026, requiring an active NATO SECRET security clearance.

Our client operates complex IT and communications infrastructure supporting multinational operations. This role combines strategic project transition leadership with hands-on operational management, ensuring new capabilities move smoothly from development into live service while maintaining day-to-day service excellence at a key European location.

Responsibilities

Project Transition Leadership:

• Lead the transition of IT projects and capabilities into operational service, from early planning through formal handover and early life support
• Define transition plans, entry/exit criteria, service acceptance criteria, and handover deliverables in collaboration with project managers and service owners
• Ensure operational readiness prior to go-live, including support models, staffing, training, documentation, spares, contracts, and monitoring systems
• Evaluate project outputs against acceptance criteria and formally recommend acceptance, conditional acceptance, or rejection
• Manage transition risks, issues, and dependencies; ensure residual risks are understood and owned by operations teams
• Oversee early life support and close transitions only when agreed service performance is demonstrated

Local Operations Management:

• Take accountability for day-to-day service delivery at the Wiesbaden location, including performance, customer satisfaction, and security compliance
• Lead and coordinate local technical, support, and contractor personnel, setting clear priorities and standards
• Oversee local infrastructure (facilities, networks, data centers, server rooms, end-user systems) ensuring maintenance, security, and fitness for purpose
• Ensure asset and configuration management records are accurate and complete
• Coordinate local business continuity and service recovery arrangements

Incident, Problem, and Change Management:

• Ensure incidents are logged, prioritized, diagnosed, and resolved according to procedures and service levels
• Lead major incident resolution, coordinating technical teams, vendors, and customers with timely stakeholder communication
• Drive problem investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of preventive measures
• Manage change control processes, assessing changes for risk, impact, cost, and resource requirements
• Ensure changes are planned, tested, implemented, and reviewed with minimal disruption

Service Level and Performance Management:

• Negotiate service level requirements and contribute to Service Level Agreements and contracts
• Monitor service performance and KPIs, diagnose delivery problems, and initiate improvement actions
• Provide accurate performance reporting to management and customers
• Drive continual service improvement across processes, tools, and third-party delivery

Budget and Vendor Management:

• Manage operational and transition budgets including planning, forecasting, tracking, and variance reporting
• Provide inputs to customer budget processes and service rates, ensuring full operational costs are identified and funded
• Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising service levels or security
• Manage vendor and contractor performance against contractual obligations and service levels

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Security Clearance: Currently active NATO SECRET clearance (mandatory)
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline
• Or: 12+ years of extensive progressive expertise in related functions (in lieu of degree)
• Experience: 8+ years combined experience in IT service management and project management, with at least 3 years in a senior role
• 5+ years in IT service management (Service Delivery Manager, IT Operations Manager, or similar) including incident, problem, change, and service level management
• 5+ years in project management, delivering complex IT/communications projects to time, cost, and quality standards
• Demonstrable track record transitioning projects or new capabilities into live operational service
• Experience engaging and briefing senior stakeholders at executive or General/Flag Officer level
• Experience managing IT infrastructure (networks, data centers, servers, end-user systems, communications) in operational environments
• Budget and cost management experience including forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting
• Proven vendor and contractor management against contractual and service obligations
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in international environments

Required Certifications:

• ITIL 4 Foundation (or ITIL v3 Foundation)
• Project management certification: PMP (PMI/PMBOK) or PRINCE2 Practitioner

Highly Desirable:

• Experience in multinational defense or international organizations
• Experience with deployable communications or mission-critical services
• ITIL 4 Managing Professional or Strategic Leader; MSP or PgMP; SIAM certification
• Experience with ITSM tools (ServiceNow, BMC Remedy, Jira Service Management)
• Knowledge of international procurement and financial processes
• Working knowledge of German

Key Competencies:

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making under pressure
• Ability to work 100% on-site in Wiesbaden
• Willingness to travel occasionally within allied nations, including to operational sites

How We Work with You

Get A Job.ai specializes in connecting exceptional talent with opportunities in defense, technology, and international organizations. When you apply through our platform:

• Our recruiting team will review your qualifications and conduct an initial screening to ensure alignment with the role requirements and security clearance needs
• We'll prepare and submit your profile to our client on your behalf, representing your experience and capabilities professionally
• Throughout the process, we serve as your advocate and main point of contact
• Please do not attempt to contact the client directly, as all applications must be submitted through Get A Job.ai to be considered

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your qualifications and experience.

Get A Job.ai is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and candidates.