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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain strategies and manage high-value contracts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join BAE Systems Submarines, a leader in defence and engineering innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay rates and flexible working hours with a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on multi-million-pound projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in supply chain or procurement, ideally in complex engineering sectors.
- Other info: This is a 24-month contract role with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Contract Type: 24-Month Contract (Inside IR35)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (3 days onsite: Tuesday–Thursday)
Pay Rate: £55/hr PAYE or £74.26/hr Umbrella
Business Unit: BAE Systems Submarines
About the Role
We are recruiting a Supply Chain Lead to join BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow. This is a high-impact leadership role within the Strategic Cost Management function, responsible for driving end-to-end supply chain and subcontract strategy across multi-million-pound, high-value programmes. The successful candidate will operate at senior executive level, influencing internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, commercial, legal, and technical leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development and execution of subcontract strategies aligned with programme objectives and value for money targets.
- Provide authoritative leadership and challenge on procurement governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Drive strategic supplier engagement and contracting excellence, from selection through to purchase order placement.
- Scrutinise and validate cost estimates (BoEs, EACs), leveraging cross-programme insights and lessons learned.
- Champion and embed a culture of cost transparency, accountability, and strategic value delivery across teams.
- Coach, mentor and upskill supply chain professionals; lead capability uplift across the function.
- Represent the function at senior governance boards, programme reviews, and executive-level engagements.
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Senior-level leadership in supply chain, procurement, or commercial strategy, ideally within defence or complex engineering environments.
- In-depth knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks, Single Source Regulations (SSRs), and Qualified Subcontractor (QSC) requirements.
- Proven experience influencing C-suite stakeholders and negotiating high-value contracts.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage end-to-end supplier performance and cost optimisation.
- Demonstrable capability in coaching, stakeholder engagement, and strategic influence.
Supply Chain Lead employer: outsource uk ltd
Contact Detail:
outsource uk ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into BAE Systems and their hiring processes.
✨Tip Number 2
Research BAE Systems' recent projects and initiatives, particularly those related to supply chain management. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with MoD procurement frameworks and how you've successfully navigated complex regulatory environments. Be ready to provide specific examples that showcase your leadership and strategic influence.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of BAE Systems on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Supply Chain Lead role, which can help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain management, procurement, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage high-value contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities and essential skills mentioned in the job description. Show how your background aligns with BAE Systems' needs and express your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that showcase your expertise in cost management, supplier engagement, and strategic influence. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at outsource uk ltd
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Supply Chain Lead role. Familiarise yourself with BAE Systems' operations, especially in the context of defence and complex engineering environments. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Given the senior-level nature of this position, expect questions about your leadership style and experiences. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led teams, influenced stakeholders, and driven strategic initiatives in supply chain management.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Highlight your experience with procurement governance, risk management, and contract negotiations. Prepare to discuss how you've optimised supplier performance and delivered value for money in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Coaching and Mentoring Skills
As a Supply Chain Lead, you'll be expected to coach and mentor others. Be prepared to share examples of how you've developed talent within your teams and fostered a culture of accountability and transparency in past positions.
