At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape supply chain strategies and engage suppliers for defence programmes.
- Company: Join Northrop Grumman UK, a leader in defence innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, career development, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and future technology solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in bids, supplier management, and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
What’s your possible? At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.
Opportunity Overview: This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. We’re looking for a Supply Chain Bid Specialist to play a critical role in securing the future of our Defence and C&I programmes. Working at the heart of our bid and capture activity, you’ll partner with Business Development, Programme, Finance and Bid teams to shape compelling, competitive and deliverable supply chain strategies. You’ll be instrumental in identifying and engaging suppliers, building strong relationships, and ensuring our supply base is aligned to both current delivery and future growth. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced role where your commercial insight and stakeholder engagement will directly contribute to winning new business. If you enjoy influencing strategy, negotiating for value, and working on mission-led programmes, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact.
Role Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain a strong network of suppliers aligned to current and future business needs
- Partner with Business Development to shape the supply chain strategy across bids and opportunities
- Identify, engage and down-select suppliers, ensuring the right capability, value and innovation is brought into each bid
- Act as the central point of contact for supplier engagement, ensuring consistent and effective communication
- Support the development and implementation of fit-for-purpose contracts in line with company policy
- Contribute to bid planning, reporting and governance, ensuring timelines and objectives are met
- Promote social value and responsible sourcing within the supply chain
Candidate Requirements:
- Proven experience supporting bids or proposal activity, ideally within defence, engineering or regulated environments
- Strong track record of building and managing supplier relationships
- Demonstrable negotiation experience with a focus on delivering commercial value
- Good understanding of contract law and procurement principles
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence across teams
Desirable:
- CIPS Level 5 (or working towards)
- WorldCC or equivalent commercial accreditation
- Knowledge of international trade compliance (ITAR, EAR or similar)
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. If you bring relevant experience and a willingness to learn, we’d love to hear from you.
Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our work, you must be a UK national for this clearance type. You must be able to gain and maintain UK Government SC security clearance.
Our recruitment team is on hand to answer any questions and will guide you through the process: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Benefits:
- Flexible working options, including a compressed fortnight
- Private healthcare
- Cash health plan
- Holiday buy and sell scheme
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Performance-based bonus
Why Join Us?
- A Mission to Believe In: Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world. Your work will directly support critical national capability and future defence innovation.
- A Place to Belong and Thrive: We value diverse perspectives and create an environment where everyone can contribute, grow and succeed.
- Your Career, Your Way: From professional development to cross-functional opportunities, you’ll have the support and flexibility to shape your career in a way that works for you.
Ready to apply? Yes – Submit your application online. Possibly – Reach out to our team for more information: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com. No – Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist in Cheltenham employer: Northrop Grumman
At Northrop Grumman UK, we are not just an employer; we are a community dedicated to innovation and excellence in the defence sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships and encourages professional growth, offering flexible working options and a range of benefits including private healthcare and career development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact on national security while thriving in an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist in Cheltenham
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Northrop Grumman, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Northrop Grumman. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Northrop Grumman and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northrop Grumman
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Northrop Grumman.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Northrop Grumman
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Northrop Grumman might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
