Sub-Contract Manager in Edinburgh

The Opportunity

Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics, delivering mission-critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, and surveillance across land, sea, and air. We’re currently looking for a Sub-Contract Manager to join our Procurement team in Edinburgh, supporting the Radar Surveillance line of business. This is a pivotal role in our Aftermarket & Support area—where you will contribute to long-term customer support. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape procurement strategies, solve complex challenges, and make a meaningful impact on key programmes. If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and enjoy driving results, this is the opportunity for you.

What you will do

• Lead sub-contract management and related procurement activities across multiple programmes.
• Drive supplier performance through regular engagement, business reviews, and proactive risk management.
• Play a key role in developing aftermarket solutions, often operating independently to deliver outcomes.
• Act as the procurement lead within cross-functional teams—working closely with engineering, production, commercial, and project colleagues.
• Draft and negotiate commercially complex agreements and business case models that support programme success.
• Translate aftermarket project requirements into clear commercial frameworks and negotiate these with suppliers.
• Identify and mitigate risks around contracts, IPR, liabilities, and currency exposure.
• Shape procurement strategies throughout the full project lifecycle, working closely with the production procurement team to identify joint opportunities.
• Prepare and review Statements of Work (SoW) and contract documentation in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain a range of Lifecycle Management (LCM) reporting tools, including Procurement Plans to track material sourcing, contracting compliance, and bid support status.
• Provide insightful analysis of material pricing to support Product Cost Review Boards for support requirements, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation aligned with project targets.
• Manage end-to-end sourcing tasks including Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Purchase Order (PO) placement using SAP.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the function.
• Ensure compliance with export regulations, third-party rights, and internal governance frameworks.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is not only technically capable but also forward-thinking and confident in building relationships across the business. You should be:

• Proactive and self-driven, with the ability to take initiative and lead by example.
• A strong communicator, able to build trust with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Analytical and curious, with a passion for understanding problems and creating practical solutions.
• Collaborative, with a team-first mindset and the ability to work across functions.

You really must have:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience/training (MCIPS qualification or working towards it is desirable).
• Proven experience in procurement or subcontract management—ideally within Defence, Aerospace, or a similar regulated sector.
• Strong commercial acumen with negotiation, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• A good understanding of legal and commercial contracting principles.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to both detail and strategic direction.
• Familiarity with SAP.

It would be nice if you also had:

• Knowledge of Export Compliance.

Why join our procurement team?

At Leonardo, you will be part of a motivated team where your ideas matter and your growth is supported. You will enjoy autonomy in your role, access to development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference in a globally recognised organisation. If you’re looking for a role that’s both challenging and rewarding—and want to be part of a forward-thinking, high-performing team.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance.

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance).
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme.
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin.

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite