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.