Subcontracts Manager Contractor – Space / Aerospace
Contract | 12 months | Inside IR35 | Guildford
Rate negotiable and dependent on experience (This roles sits inside IR35)
Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain and working with the Subcontracts team, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of subcontract management.
From collaborating with engineering teams to define initial requirements to leading the selection process and negotiating subcontracts, your role will be integral in ensuring successful project execution.
You will also oversee the delivery of subcontracted products and services while fostering strategic business relationships with key suppliers.
As part of a small, dynamic team of Subcontract Managers, you will contribute across a variety of space missions.
Key Tasks
* Manage all aspects of subcontracting within assigned projects, including reporting key issues and risks during monthly project reviews.
* Act as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. legal, regulatory bodies) to ensure commercial and contractual rigor in bid and project activities.
* Lead negotiations with internal and external stakeholders to secure favourable contract terms.
* Identify and implement cost‑saving measures, such as multi‑project purchases.
* Ensure all contractual documentation aligns with established procedures and processes.
* Continuously assess subcontractor performance and associated risks.
* Develop strategic business relationships with major subcontractors to support long‑term collaboration.
* Track subcontracted equipment or services, providing clear and concise reporting within a matrix structure to keep Work Package and Project Managers informed.
* Contribute to the improvement of existing policies and procedures.
* Ensure proper flow‑down of customer terms and conditions (T&Cs) and alignment of milestone payment plans to support project cash flow.
Experience, Qualifications and Skills
* Proven experience in Subcontract or Contract Management, ideally within the satellite, engineering, or aerospace industry.
* Degree‑level education or equivalent in a Commercial, Business, or Engineering discipline.
* Strong knowledge of commercial and contractual risk management.
* Proven experience in negotiating and implementing standard and non‑standard contracting vehicles, ideally with full life‑cycle experience.
* Ability to troubleshoot and facilitate solutions with internal and external stakeholders.
* Experience in supplier evaluation and down‑selection processes.
* Background in process development within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
* Working knowledge of procurement and project management processes.
* MCIPS qualification or progress towards MCIPS is beneficial but not essential.
* Highly organized with excellent communication skills.
* Creative thinker with the ability to challenge established practices.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills at all levels.
* Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
* Strong understanding of contractual and programmatic risk, with a pragmatic approach to mitigation.
* Results‑driven and able to perform effectively under pressure.
* Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally as required.
* Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems.
* Ability to obtain SC clearance if required.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Legal, Project Management, and Purchasing
Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing, Space Research and Technology, and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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