Senior Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager

Matchtech; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Senior Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager to lead a team of procurement professionals within a leading defence and technology organisation. The role focuses on managing a portfolio of high-value contracts across full lifecycles and ensuring supplier performance aligns with strategic objectives.

You will influence senior stakeholders, develop strategic supplier relationships, and drive governance, compliance and risk mitigation across complex programmes in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, subcontract management, or related supply chain roles.
• Experience leading and mentoring procurement professionals.
• Strong contract negotiation skills with drafting and negotiation of terms.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and complex subcontract arrangements.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and due diligence processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of procurement specialists delivering across multiple programmes.
• Manage high-value supplier contracts and subcontract arrangements through lifecycle.
• Ensure procurement activities meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms with key suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Build relationships with suppliers, customers, and senior stakeholders.
• Support complex defence projects through effective subcontract management.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Supply chain management

Governance & compliance

Job description

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager has arisen to join a leading defence and technology organisation. You'll be responsible for leading a team of procurement professionals, managing complex subcontract portfolios, and driving supplier performance across critical defence programmes that support national security and international partners.

This role offers the opportunity to lead high-value procurement activities across the full lifecycle of sophisticated engineering programmes, whilst developing strategic supplier relationships and influencing stakeholders at senior levels across the business.

Role - Senior Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager
Location - Bolton (hybrid working, 1-2 days onsite per week plus occasional UK and international travel)
Type - Permanent position
Salary - Competitive + bonus + excellent benefits

Key responsibilities of the Senior Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager role include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and develop a team of procurement specialists responsible for delivering procurement and subcontract management activities across multiple programmes.
• Manage a portfolio of high-value supplier contracts and subcontract arrangements throughout the full contract lifecycle.
• Support programme delivery by ensuring procurement activities are completed on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Negotiate contracts, commercial terms and conditions with critical suppliers and subcontractors.
• Provide commercial and procurement guidance to internal project, engineering and technical stakeholders.
• Drive supplier performance, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
• Ensure compliance with governance, authorisation processes and procurement procedures.
• Support competitive tendering activities, supplier selection and new business opportunities.
• Lead negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting business interests.
• Identify, manage and mitigate supply chain risks whilst maximising commercial opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers and senior stakeholders.
• Support the delivery of complex engineering and defence projects through effective subcontract management.

Key skills and experience required for the Senior Procurement Manager / Subcontract Manager role include, but are not limited to:

• Proven experience within procurement, subcontract management, commercial contracts or supply chain management.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing procurement professionals.
• Strong contract negotiation skills with the ability to draft, review and negotiate contractual terms and conditions.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and complex subcontract arrangements.
• Strong understanding of procurement governance, compliance and due diligence processes.
• Experience supporting procurement tendering and competitive sourcing activities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced project environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance risk, cost, quality and delivery requirements.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and a passion for procedural compliance.
• Experience within defence, aerospace, engineering, manufacturing or other highly regulated sectors would be advantageous.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and be capable of obtaining the required security clearance.