Subcontract Specialist

Arguile; Warminster; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arguil e is seeking a Principal Subcontract Specialist to lead subcontracting on a major defence programme with UK impact. You will manage key suppliers, drive performance and own subcontracting activities with autonomy across a matrix of commercial, programme, operational and technical stakeholders.

The role focuses on complex, high-value contracts (£10m–£40m), with responsibilities spanning negotiation, oversight and process improvements in a national defence context.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in subcontract management, supplier engagement and contract execution.
• Experience managing subcontracting activities and contributing to planning.
• Experience managing high-value, complex contracts.
• Strong negotiation and contract management knowledge.
• Ability to work independently in a matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage subcontractors and suppliers on contracts valued £10m–£40m.
• Own subcontract management activities with minimal oversight.
• Deliver smaller projects through to completion and delivery.
• Negotiate contracts, NDAs, terms and conditions, and commercial terms.
• Resolve complex operational issues using subcontracting knowledge.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.

Skills

Subcontract management

Supplier engagement

Contract execution

Planning

Stakeholder management

Coaching juniors

Education

STEM degree

Business degree

Job description

Security Clearance: Eligible for UK SC clearance

I’m currently recruiting for a Principal Subcontract Specialist to join a major, long-term defence programme supporting the transformation of UK military training.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a high-profile programme with significant national defence impact, managing strategic suppliers and subcontractors and helping drive operational performance across the supply chain.

The Role

As a Principal Subcontract Specialist, you’ll take ownership of key subcontracting activities and manage moderately sized contracts, working with suppliers to ensure performance remains aligned with programme and business objectives.

You’ll operate with a high degree of autonomy and work across a matrix environment, collaborating with commercial, programme, operational and technical stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing subcontractors and suppliers across contracts valued approximately between £10m–£40m.
• Taking ownership of subcontract management activities with minimal oversight.
• Managing smaller projects and subcontracting processes through to delivery.
• Negotiating and managing contracts, NDAs, terms and conditions and associated commercial arrangements.
• Applying strong subcontracting knowledge to resolve complex operational issues.
• Monitoring supplier performance and driving improvements where required.Working closely with internal teams, suppliers and customers to ensure alignment on policies, processes and contractual requirements.
• Influencing operational decisions and contributing to improvements in subcontracting processes and systems.
• Supporting planning and delivery of subcontracting activities across the programme.
• Providing coaching and guidance to more junior members of the team.
• Working across organisational boundaries within a joint/matrix environment.
• Supporting the delivery of key programme objectives and operational outcomes.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced Subcontract, Commercial or Supplier Management professional who is comfortable working independently and taking ownership of complex supplier relationships.

You’ll ideally have:

• Practical experience in subcontract management, supplier engagement and contract execution.
• Experience managing subcontracting activities and contributing to planning.
• Experience managing contracts of significant value and complexity.
• Strong knowledge of contract management and negotiation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to make informed decisions with limited supervision.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience coaching or guiding junior team members.
• Experience working within joint, collaborative or matrixed teams.
• The ability to communicate effectively across industry and customer environments.
• A delivery-focused approach with a strong emphasis on operational excellence.

A degree in a STEM, business or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience, would be advantageous.

Defence Experience

Experience within defence, aerospace, engineering or another highly regulated environment would be beneficial.

You’ll need to be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

The Opportunity

This is a great opportunity to join a long-term defence programme where your work will have a direct impact on UK military capability and the future of collective training.

You’ll have genuine responsibility for important supplier relationships, the opportunity to influence subcontracting processes and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals across both industry and the customer environment.

If you’re an experienced Subcontract Specialist looking for a role with significant responsibility, complex contracts and genuine national defence impact, I’d be keen to hear from you.