Subcontracts Manager

About the role

The Subcontracts Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end subcontracting lifecycle in support of complex aerospace and defense programs. This role owns strategic sourcing, contract development, purchase order execution, supplier negotiations, and full lifecycle management of high-value subcontracts, including large capital equipment, construction scope, and third-party contractor services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full subcontracting lifecycle from sourcing strategy through contract award, execution, delivery, and closeout.
• Develop and execute sourcing plans for large capital equipment, infrastructure, and third-party service providers.
• Manage purchase order creation, execution, and supplier performance to ensure cost, schedule, and technical compliance.
• Identify, qualify, and select suppliers aligned with program and business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving performance, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Lead competitive bid processes (RFP/RFQ/RFI) and supplier evaluations.
• Negotiate complex commercial terms, pricing structures, delivery schedules, and performance obligations.
• Evaluate supplier change requests and claims by interpreting Statements of Work (SOW), technical specifications, and contract terms.
• Draft, review, and negotiate detailed Statements of Work to ensure clarity in scope, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and responsibilities.
• Manage subcontracting activities related to construction, facility upgrades, and capital equipment installation.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (operations, engineering, facilities) to ensure successful execution and integration.
• Identify and mitigate subcontract risks, including cost, schedule, performance, and contractual exposures.
• Evaluate supplier change requests and claims by interpreting Statements of Work (SOW), technical specifications, and contract terms.
• Own contract change management processes including scope evaluation, cost/price analysis, and schedule impacts.
• Operate independently in negotiations with minimal engineering support, while effectively balancing technical and commercial considerations.
• Lead negotiations to resolve changes, disputes, and claims in a fair and commercially advantageous manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8–12+ years of experience in subcontract management, procurement, or supply chain within aerospace, defense, or similar highly regulated industries.
• Strong experience in end-to-end subcontract ownership, from sourcing through delivery and implementation.
• Proven track record of leading complex negotiations, including contract awards and high-value change orders.
• Deep expertise in change management, including independently evaluating scope, cost, and schedule impacts.
• Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating Statements of Work (SOW) and contract terms.
• Ability to interpret technical scope and commercial implications with minimal engineering support.
• Strong knowledge of contract structures, pricing models, and commercial risk allocation.

Qualifications

• Experience working in aerospace & defense manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Experience managing multi-million dollar capital or infrastructure projects.
• Professional certifications (CPSM, CIPS, PMP, or similar).

Skills

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Contract interpretation and risk assessment
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership
• Ability to operate independently in high-pressure, complex environments

Benefits

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

Pay

Details on pay will be provided upon interview.

Schedule

Details on schedule will be provided upon interview.