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- Tasks: Lead complex subcontract negotiations and manage high-value programmes with strategic importance.
- Company: Join Leidos, a leader in innovative solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 33 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping commercial strategies and driving performance improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in subcontract management and strong stakeholder communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58400 - 74900 £ per year.
Location: Farnborough / Hybrid
Role Overview: 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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 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; elevate 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.
- Operate with significant autonomy within delegated authority, making decisions that impact programme cost, schedule, performance and risk. Own outcomes for assigned subcontract portfolio; lead cross-functional resolution of complex issues spanning multiple specialties.
- Influences programme leadership and stakeholders on commercial approach, risk posture and solution options.
Skills / Experience Required:
- 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.
Desired Skills:
- MCIPS (or working towards) / equivalent professional accreditation.
- Experience supporting contract change / proposal activity and supplier strategy development.
Clearance Requirements:
- BPSS pre-screening required to Start.
- SC required for the role.
Benefits:
- 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.
- Pay Range £58,400.00-£74,900.00.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
Senior Subcontract Manager employer: Leidos
Contact Detail:
Leidos Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Subcontract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can add value to their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Subcontract Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead complex negotiations. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Subcontract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Subcontract Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex subcontract negotiations and how you've successfully navigated risk management in previous positions. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead the end-to-end subcontract lifecycle and manage high-value programmes. We love seeing quantifiable results that reflect your impact.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like commercial strategy and risk management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leidos
✨Know Your Subcontract Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the end-to-end subcontract lifecycle thoroughly. Brush up on your knowledge of strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and performance management. Being able to discuss these elements confidently will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Since you'll be leading complex negotiations, practice articulating your negotiation strategies and past experiences. Think about specific examples where you've successfully navigated tough discussions and how you ensured compliance with contractual principles. This will demonstrate your capability to handle high-stakes situations.
✨Understand Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with commercial and contractual risk management. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified risks in previous roles and the mitigation strategies you've implemented. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Strong stakeholder management is key for this role. Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced decisions in the past. This will help you stand out as a credible candidate who can navigate complex environments.