Subcontract Programme Manager - Space

Lockheed Martin; Havant; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Havant, Hampshire, is seeking a Subcontract Programme Manager - Space to join our UK Space team. The role focuses on delivering next‑generation military satellite communications capability, leading a multi‑functional SMT and engaging with external suppliers to meet cost, schedule, and quality targets.

You will translate customer requirements into supplier work packages, run procurement activities, and provide timely reporting to the Supply Chain Lead, with travel both inside the

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing Subcontracts within Defence or Space.
• Experience supporting UK MoD programmes or competitive capture.
• Strong procurement and commercial experience with financial awareness.
• Experience in multi-functional teams delivering business and programme objectives.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cross-functional Supplier Management Team across internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Translate customer requirements into supplier work packages, including RFI/RFQ documentation and subcontract statements of work.
• Identify and engaging prospective suppliers, including early capability assessments and market engagement activities.
• Manage supplier proposals and lead negotiations on pricing, schedule, technical compliance, and terms & conditions.
• Run competitive procurement activities, analyse supplier responses, and recommend best-value solutions based on cost, quality and performance.
• Ensure supplier performance against contractual deliverables through effective monitoring and delivery management.
• Lead reviews and provide clear, accurate, and timely reporting to the Supply Chain Lead in line with programme governance and reporting cycles.

Skills

Subcontracts management

Procurement

Supplier engagement

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Willingness to travel

Job description

About The Role

This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

The Role

We're looking for a Subcontract Programme Manager - Space to join or team based from Havant, Hampshire. This role benefits from our 4xFlex working patten offering a 4 day working week Monday - Thursday. We also offer hybrid working with typically 2-3 days a week onsite or travelling to the customer.

This programme is focused on delivering the next generation of military satellite communications capability. As the space environment becomes increasingly congested and contested, and demand for secure, high-bandwidth, and resilient communications continues to grow, the programme will enable a secure, high-performance network supporting UK Government, allied nations, and Defence personnel worldwide.

The Subcontract Programme Manager reports to the Supply Chain Lead for LMUK Space.

The role leads a multi-functional Supply Chain Management Team (SMT) responsible for engagement with external suppliers. It holds accountability for third-party deliverables across capture and delivery programmes, ensuring commercial, cost, technical, schedule, and quality requirements are achieved for all contracted products and services. Acting as the primary interface into the supply base, the SMT works collaboratively with programme management, customers, and suppliers to develop integrated supply chain solutions that support programme success.

The role requires experience working across complex, multi-layered programmes, with direct responsibility for supplier engagement and regular interaction with the Project Management Office (PMO).

• Leading the cross-functional Supplier Management Team across internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Translating customer and internal requirements into supplier work packages, including RFI/RFQ documentation and subcontract statements of work.
• Identifying and engaging prospective suppliers, including early capability assessments and market engagement activities.
• Managing supplier proposals and leading negotiations on key contract elements, including pricing, schedule, technical compliance, and terms & conditions.
• Running competitive procurement activities, analysing supplier responses, and recommending best-value solutions based on cost, quality, and performance.
• Ensuring supplier performance against contractual deliverables through effective monitoring and delivery management.
• Leading reviews and providing clear, accurate, and timely reporting to the Supply Chain Lead in line with programme governance and reporting cycles.

Required Skills, Qualifications And Experience

• Proven experience managing Subcontracts within the Defence or Space industry
• Supporting UK MoD programmes and/or competitive capture activities is preferred.
• Strong procurement and commercial experience, with good business acumen, financial awareness, and analytical capability.
• Experience working within multi-functional teams, with a track record of delivering business and programme objectives.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Proactive self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and independently.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective long-term relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required, both within the UK and internationally.