Job Description:
Your impact:
Step into a strategically focused Sub-Contract Manager role where you'll help drive Leonardo's corporate vision for Bid and Contract Management, working at the heart of a dynamic matrix organisation and supporting complex, high-impact projects. Reporting to the Senior Procurement Manager, you'll shape and implement integrated procurement strategies across the full business lifecycle—guiding teams through bid, delivery and support phases while managing high-value sub-contracts and ensuring risks are expertly controlled.
This is a standout opportunity to thrive, influence key business decisions, and build strong relationships across Integrated Project Teams. The role comes with hybrid working opportunities, inter site travel and scope for wider UK and occasional overseas travel. If you're a confident communicator with the ability to navigate complex procurement challenges and collaborate cross-functionally, we'd love to hear from you.
What you will do:
· Provide leadership and governance in business winning and programme delivery with minimum supervision
· Accountable for procurement activities within the appropriate business area
· Lead the delivery of sub-contract management activities and other procurement related services which may be required by the business
· Support the procurement interface with Project Management to develop the procurement value proposition and approach, flow down requirements and negotiation strategy
· Promote customer relationships in managing internal and external relationships
· Work with other functions to bring solutions and innovation into play early in the lifecycle and be a focal point for project and suppliers regarding contract and supply base matters
· Support the development of procurement models and options to support contracting with new and existing supply chains
· Lead the flow down of complex Terms & Conditions to the supply chain balancing risk and reward (e.g. IPR, Termination, Limits of Liability, Option Pricing etc.)
· Draft and prepare complex contract documentation using standard and non-standard formats
· Negotiate complex arrangements, incl. planning and creating negotiation strategies, agreements, resolving any complex issues and impasses
· Ensure that the team is managing risks, liabilities and commitments of the contractual agreements in the supply chain
· Problem solving across many areas of supply chain issues such as Trade Compliance, Dependency Management etc.
· Promotes a culture of best practice and sharing of knowledge within the function and across the wider business
What you'll bring
· Demonstrated ability to work in complex workshare programmes with shared performance commitment and risk management elements
· Demonstrated collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making and continuous improvement skills
· Ability to engage and influence cross-functional/cross site teams
· Led and managed challenging engagements with suppliers where commercial terms and problem solving are key to successful outcome
· Experience of more complex issues such as Conflict of Interest, Intellectual Property, Variation of Price, Trade Compliance etc.
· Experience of negotiating contractual terms and measures that protect the company interests but also deliver key capability and transparency for the customer and user community
· A good working knowledge and understanding of Defence Industry procurement and ability to apply them with minimal supervision and direction
· Relationship building skills with cross-functional colleagues, customers and suppliers
· An ability to think 'outside of the box' offering solutions to enable the function to add value and innovation
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we're here to help you thrive.
* Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
* Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
* Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
* Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
* Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
* Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now
Primary Location:
GB - Southampton
Additional Locations:
GB - Basildon
Contract Type:
Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid