Subcontract Manager

Arguile; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Buy/sell leave

Flexi-leave allowance

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Employer pension contribution 8%

Annual bonus

Life assurance

Employee assistance program

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee discounts

Training and development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Arguile is seeking an experienced Subcontract Manager to join our defence commercial team in the UK. The role covers end-to-end subcontract management, supplier relationships, and risk mitigation across complex programmes.

You will negotiate contracts, manage performance, and collaborate with project, technical, and procurement teams in a hybrid/flexible environment. The successful candidate will have significant defence‑sector experience, strong negotiation skills, and a solid grasp of EVM and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in subcontract or contract management, ideally Defence sector.
• Experience with UK MOD or Defence sector is preferred.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and performance measurement.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate subcontracts and flow-down requirements to support budgets.
• Manage contracts and service agreements for compliance with terms.
• Support make-vs-buy decisions and sourcing strategies.
• Develop and issue Statements of Work with technical teams.
• Attend supplier meetings on-site or at supplier premises.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and compliance risks.
• Monitor supplier performance and address issues.
• Advise Project Managers on supplier performance and commercial best practice.

Skills

Subcontract management

Commercial contract terms

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Job description

Subcontract Manager - Defence

Location: Bristol or Barnstaple

Working Pattern: Hybrid / Flexible

Salary: Up to £65,000 DOE

Are you an experienced Subcontract Manager with a background in Defence, looking for your next opportunity within a growing and technically complex environment?

We're looking for a Subcontract Manager to join a commercial team supporting major defence programmes. You'll take ownership of the commercial management of supplier and subcontractor relationships, working closely with project, technical and procurement teams to ensure contracts are delivered effectively and commercial risks are well managed.

The Role

You'll be responsible for managing the commercial aspects of subcontract and supplier agreements, from negotiation and contract placement through to ongoing performance management.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Negotiating subcontracts, including appropriate customer flow-down requirements, to support project budgets and programme objectives.
• Managing contracts, subcontracts and service agreements to ensure compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
• Supporting make-vs-buy decisions and contributing to sourcing strategies.
• Developing and issuing Statements of Work in collaboration with technical and project teams.
• Attending supplier meetings both on-site and at supplier premises.
• Identifying, assessing and mitigating commercial and compliance risks.
• Monitoring supplier performance and addressing contractual or performance issues.
• Advising Project Managers on supplier performance, contractual matters and commercial best practice.
• Working proactively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve commercial issues and maximise programme opportunities.

About You

We're looking for someone with significant experience in subcontract or contract management, ideally gained within the Defence or wider highly regulated engineering environment.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong experience in subcontract management and commercial contract terms.
• Experience working within the UK MOD or Defence sector.
• Knowledge or experience of Earned Value Management (EVM) and performance measurement.
• Familiarity with standard forms of contract and public-sector procurement processes.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• Good IT and contract administration skills.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £65,000, depending on experience.
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• 25 days' annual leave, plus the option to buy and sell leave.
• Flexi-leave allowance.
• Half-day Fridays.
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan.
• Employer pension contribution of up to 8%.
• Annual bonus.
• Life assurance.
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and employee discounts.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Free onsite parking.

If you're an experienced Subcontract Manager / Contract Manager with Defence experience and are looking for a role where you can have a genuine impact across complex programmes, we'd be keen to hear from you.