Senior Manager - Ethics & Independence in Southampton

We are seeking a Senior Subcontract Manager who will provide senior commercial leadership for the end-to-end subcontract lifecycle on a variety of complex, high-value programmes. Own governance, risk management and assurance for a portfolio of strategically important subcontractors, ensuring robust flow-down of customer requirements, compliance with company and programme controls, and delivery of best-value outcomes.

You will act as a trusted advisor to programme leadership and bid teams, shaping commercial strategy and enabling delivery while protecting Leidos contractual and reputational position.

• Own and lead the end-to-end subcontract lifecycle for a portfolio of critical and/or high-risk subcontractors (strategy, sourcing support, negotiation, award, administration, change control, performance management and close-out).
• Lead complex negotiations (terms & conditions, statements of work, pricing, delivery, IP/licensing, liability and flow-down obligations), securing outcomes aligned to programme objectives and Leidos risk appetite.
• Provide programme-level subcontract governance and assurance: establish/maintain the subcontract management approach, controls, templates and cadence; ensure contract file integrity, approvals, and auditable records.
• Translate customer requirements and direction into compliant subcontract actions (including modifications, change proposals and notices), ensuring timely flow-down and clear accountability for delivery.
• Identify, quantify and manage commercial and contractual risk; develop mitigation plans; escalate material issues appropriately and brief senior stakeholders with clear options and recommendations.
• Lead supplier relationship management for key subcontractors, driving performance, issue resolution and continuous improvement; support recovery plans where delivery, quality or service levels are at risk.
• Partner with internal functions to provide integrated commercial advice, aligning subcontract actions to programme performance, cost control and customer commitments.
• Support new business and proposals by shaping subcontracting strategy, assessing commercial risk, preparing compliant bid inputs and negotiating preferred supplier positions.
• Coach and develop junior commercial/subcontracts staff to build capability across the function.
• Contribute to functional improvement: identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls and improve cycle times/quality across subcontracting activities.
• Operates with significant autonomy within delegated authority, making decisions that impact programme cost, schedule, performance and risk.
• Owns outcomes for assigned subcontract portfolio; leads cross-functional resolution of complex issues spanning multiple specialties.
• Influences programme leadership and stakeholders on commercial approach, risk posture and solution options.

• Demonstrable experience leading complex subcontract negotiations and managing a portfolio of subcontract types and value/risk profiles.
• Strong understanding of contractual principles, flow-down of customer requirements, change control and subcontract governance controls.
• Proven ability to identify and manage commercial risk, develop mitigation strategies and communicate recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen; ability to understand and articulate commercial impacts on programme performance and adjacent functions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills; credible with senior supplier and internal leadership audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently with minimal oversight, and maintain high standards of quality and compliance.
• Day to Day procurement management within business system aligned to contract with change and delivery.

• MCIPS (or working towards) / equivalent professional accreditation.
• Experience supporting contract change / proposal activity and supplier strategy development.

• BPSS pre-screening required to Start.
• SC required for the role.

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:

• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays).
• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme).
• Flexi-Time Working.

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone.

Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

Purpose: you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about safe. We are at the forefront of machine learning, AI, cyber security and solutions. Using your skills in the technology frontline by helping to build a safer world. You can inspire change.

Collaboration: having flexibility to do your job is one of our core benefits, enabling you to become part of our extraordinary team. We have been empowering our people to work flexibly for years.

People: Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growth whilst developing.