Senior Subcontract Buyer

Matchtech Group; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a proactive Senior Subcontract Buyer to join a high-profile Defence programme based in Luton. The role is hybrid and 12 months in duration, paying up to £48 per hour Inside IR35 via Umbrella.

You will manage subcontract commitments across tangible and intangible deliverables, working with engineering, project management, legal, commercial and supply chain teams to ensure contract execution throughout the programme lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, subcontract management or commercial buying.
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier management expertise
• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, Engineering or other highly regulated industries
• Understanding of commercial risk, contractual terms and procurement best practice
• Experience managing RFQs, tenders and sourcing activities
• Procuring professional services, software, training or other intangible deliverables
• Supplier performance and relationship management
• Export compliance awareness
• Power BI or data-driven reporting experience

Responsibilities

• Lead subcontract management activities across complex projects
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that support programme delivery
• Draft, negotiate and manage a range of commercial agreements and subcontract packages
• Source and manage suppliers delivering outsourced services and specialist capabilities
• Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks
• Prepare RFQs, Statements of Work, contractual flow-downs and procurement documentationWork cross-functionally to ensure supplier performance, compliance and successful programme outcomes
• Build strong stakeholder and supplier relationships across all levels of the business

Skills

Subcontract management

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Regulated industries

RFQ/Tender experience

Power BI

SAP/ERP experience

Export compliance awareness

Tools

SAP/ERP system

Job description

A reputable defence organisation are seeking a proactive Senior Subcontract Buyer to join a high-profile Electronic Warfare programme based in Luton.

• Role: Senior Subcontract Buyer
• Duration: 12 Months
• Pay: Up to £48 p/hr (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)
• Location: Luton (Hybrid)

This is a key role within a fast-paced procurement function, responsible for managing subcontract commitments across both tangible and intangible deliverables.

You’ll work closely with engineering, project management, legal, commercial and supply chain teams to ensure effective contract execution throughout the programme lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead subcontract management activities across complex projects
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that support programme delivery
• Draft, negotiate and manage a range of commercial agreements and subcontract packages
• Source and manage suppliers delivering outsourced services and specialist capabilities
• Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks
• Prepare RFQs, Statements of Work, contractual flow-downs and procurement documentationWork cross-functionally to ensure supplier performance, compliance and successful programme outcomes
• Build strong stakeholder and supplier relationships across all levels of the business

You’ll play a pivotal role in supplier engagement, contract negotiation, risk management, and procurement strategy development while supporting cutting-edge defence technology programmes.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in procurement, subcontract management or commercial buying
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier management expertise
• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, Engineering or other highly regulated industries
• Understanding of commercial risk, contractual terms and procurement best practice
• Experience managing RFQs, tenders and sourcing activities
• Procuring professional services, software, training or other intangible deliverables
• SAP or equivalent ERP system experience
• Export compliance awareness
• Supplier performance and relationship management
• Power BI or data-driven reporting experience

If you’re looking for your next interim role and an opportunity to work on nationally significant defence programmes,