Permanent
Programme Manager Defence - Major Subcontracts
Supply Chain
Ampthill - Bedfordshire
About the Role
The Programme Manager Defence - Major Subcontracts is a role within the Lockheed Martin UK Global Supply Chain Organisation based at Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Our outstanding benefits include a 4 day working week, giving you every Friday off and hybrid working (Monday and Tuesday fulltime onsite). The successful candidate will join a renowned international defence company, with a range of technically innovative products and excellent opportunities for career progression, and personal and professional development.
This role will be accountable for the successful execution of a portfolio of major subcontracts in; Armoured Vehicles, Platform Integration, Special Projects and Weapons areas & domains to meet domestic and international programme and business needs. LMUK(Ampthill) has a worldwide supply base although predominantly in the UK, Europe, Middle East and the US.
Opportunities also exist to develop comprehensive supply chain strategies and solutions to support bids, proposals within the Defence Sector and commercial environments as business grows.
The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, determined and committed, and a confident self-starter with the ability to drive and implement change. They will be a team player with proven management ability in a multi-functional organisation, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and exceptional stakeholder management ability. They will have the flexibility to travel as required in the UK and abroad.
Specific responsibilities include:
1. Managing the subordinate teams overseeing the management of supplier cost, schedule and technical performance on moderate-to-high-risk, modified Commercial Off The Shelf, performance specification and complex build-to-print subcontracts for commercial, MOD and international programs.
2. Leading multifunctional subcontract management teams, comprising quality, engineering and other supply chain team members.
3. Holding a procurement delegation and signing supplier agreements and purchase orders within this.
4. Directing contract administration resource and the developing subcontract specifications, work statements, and terms and conditions for the procurement of specialised materials, equipment, and services for subcontract systems in support of development, production and sustainment using multiple contract types.
5. Selecting or recommending subcontractors, and writing subcontract packages.
6. Preparing, awarding and managing resulting subcontracts and required change activity.
7. If required, coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions.
Required skills, qualifications and experience
8. Proven Programme Management experience within the Defence industry
9. Ability to manage multiple suppliers to meet cost, schedule and technical performance requirements of highly complex subcontracts.
10. Outstanding Programme Management, Commercial, Financial and Technical management acumen.
11. Capable of identifying and mitigating risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
12. Success in working in multi-functional organisations.
13. Able to achieve delivery to tight schedules in a dynamic work environment.
Desired Skills
14. Experience as a supply chain professional in developing subcontracts to support new business including bids and captures for complex items and systems.
15. Supply chain experience in the defence sector.
16. Application of Earned Value Management.
17. Knowledge of SAP (or similar) ERP systems.
18. CIPS qualification
Job Reference Number
18105BR
Salary Range
£66,000 - £82,000 + Comprehensive Benefits + Bonus
Employee Type
Full Time
Hours Per Week
37.5
Working Schedule
4xFlex
Country
United Kingdom (UK)
Clearance Required for Role
SC
Graduate, Intern or Apprentice Vacancy?
No
What we offer you
At Lockheed Martin our employees come first and therefore your physical, mental and financial wellbeing matters to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment you can expect so much more.
We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4 day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off. We offer Competitive salaries alongside a flexible holiday entitlement.
We have a Wealth of benefits available to you that can be selected through our wellbeing tool upon commencement of employment. Just a few of our amazing benefits are shown below:
19. Private Medical Insurance
20. Competitive Pension
21. Dental
22. Critical Illness
23. Life Assurance
24. Travel Insurance
25. Employee discounts for top high street shops
26. Employee Assistance Program which includes free face to face counseling sessions, Legal advice, Financial advice, etc
27. Internal training and development alongside our Education assistance programmes
28. Reimbursement for a professional membership
29. Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave
Business Environment
Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is a rapidly changing, dynamic part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation with both domestic and international customers. It consists of business areas focusing on Platform Integration, Ground Based Air Defence, Special Projects and Weapons, which provide a variety of products and services to the Ministry of Defence and other customers. We are looking for talented individuals to join the company, in return we offer an exciting and challenging career path and excellent work/life balance with a 4 day week (Mon-Thurs) and flexible working arrangements.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact end ngIf: ame != 'jobtitleInJobDetails' && ame != 'jobdescriptionInJobDetails' -->
Job Expires
28/01/2026
Programme Manager Defence - Major Subcontracts | LM Careers