Defence Subcontract Lead: Commercial Strategy & Procurement

ARM; Caddington; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

ARM is seeking an experienced Subcontract Manager to join an Integrated Project Team in the Defence/Aerospace sector at a site in Luton. You will lead subcontract management and procurement activities across the project lifecycle.

The role requires strong commercial and procurement expertise, MCIPS (preferred), and the ability to manage supplier performance, negotiate complex contracts, and ensure compliance with lifecycle management processes.

Qualifications

• Strong procurement experience in Defence/Aerospace or similar regulated sector.
• Degree-level technical training or equivalent.
• MCIPS preferred or working towards MCIPS.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Solid understanding of contracting, commercial and legal aspects.

Responsibilities

• Lead subcontract management and procurement activities across the project lifecycle.
• Manage supplier performance, relationships and contractual requirements.
• Forecast and report subcontract spend.
• Identify and develop new suppliers with specialist capabilities.
• Draft and negotiate complex commercial and contract documentation.
• Translate customer and project requirements into commercial agreements.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and flow-down of terms.
• Lead commercial strategies and Lifecycle Management deliverables.
• Manage export compliance, restrictions and third‑party rights.

Skills

Subcontract management

Procurement

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Lifecycle Management

Export compliance

Education

Degree-level technical training

MCIPS qualification preferred

Job description

ARM is seeking an experienced Subcontract Manager to join an Integrated Project Team in the Defence/Aerospace sector at a site in Luton. You will lead subcontract management and procurement activities across the project lifecycle.

The role requires strong commercial and procurement expertise, MCIPS (preferred), and the ability to manage supplier performance, negotiate complex contracts, and ensure compliance with lifecycle management processes.