Subcontract Manager

A global engineering services provider require a Subcontract Manager to lead procurement and subcontract management activities on a high-profile and complex programme with the MOD. The Subcontract Manager should be commercially and contractually strong, exhibit leadership, gravitas and the ability to manage high-level and complex supplier, stakeholder and customer relationships. All industry-sector experience can be considered, but familiarity with long-term engineering services provision and delivery would be advantageous.

The Subcontract Manager will report to a Head of Supply Chain and work within a multi-disciplined procurement programme team which will include commercial, supplier and customer representatives. The Subcontract Manager will oversee a team of Buyers focused on operational and day-to-day supplier/subcontractor performance, whilst the Subcontract Manager focuses on strategic supplier and customer relationship management, and the management of complex subcontract management agreements.

Working with a small number of critical suppliers, you will manage subcontract arrangements spanning services, operations, design and manufacture activities, specialist engineering services and off-the-shelf equipment. Some suppliers are long-standing strategic partners embedded within programme delivery teams, whilst others operate as competitors in other markets, creating a uniquely complex stakeholder environment.

Specific duties of the Subcontract Manager include:

• Lead the commercial and contractual management of a strategically important subcontract portfolio
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers, customers and stakeholders,
• Negotiate, draft and manage complex subcontract agreements, ensuring contractual obligations, risk allocation and commercial protections are effectively managed.
• Provide commercial leadership on matters including Intellectual Property rights, design authority responsibilities, contractual liabilities and supplier performance.
• Influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including Commercial Directors, programme leadership teams and supplier executives.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the ongoing development of commercial processes, governance and ways of working.
• Coach and develop a high-performing procurement team, promoting commercial best practice and strengthening capability across the wider function.
• Lead complex negotiations, balancing commercial outcomes with the need to maintain critical supplier and customer relationships.

Subcontract Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Proven experience negotiating, drafting and managing high-value, complex contracts and subcontracts within a procurement, supply chain or commercial environment.
• Strong commercial judgement with a detailed understanding of contractual risk management, governance and commercial protection mechanisms.
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships and operating within challenging stakeholder environments.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or developing individuals and teams to improve capability and performance.
• Experience championing change, improving processes or implementing new commercial or procurement initiatives.
• Knowledge of Intellectual Property provisions, design rights, ownership arrangements and other commercially sensitive contractual matters
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence, gravitas and credibility to influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Energy, ambition, agility and resilience, with the ability to succeed within an evolving programme environment.
• CIPS, IACCM/WorldCC or equivalent professional accreditation, alongside a degree in Business, Commercial Management, Law or a related discipline.
• Experience gained within defence, aerospace, engineering services, manufacturing, infrastructure, FM/construction service provision or other highly regulated environments would be advantageous.