Subcontracts Manager

SpaceJobSearch.com; Guildford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme with life assurance

Private medical and international travel insurance

Annual bonus scheme

High street discount scheme

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm in Guildford is seeking a Subcontract Manager to oversee subcontract management within projects. The successful candidate will lead negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and ensure contract compliance. This role requires proven experience in subcontract management and a degree in a related discipline. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including enhanced leave and insurance options. Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Subcontract or Contract Management, ideally in the aerospace industry.
• Ability to troubleshoot and facilitate solutions with stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.
• Experience in negotiating contracting vehicles and full lifecycle implementation.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage subcontracting within projects and report key issues.
• Lead negotiations to secure favourable contract terms.
• Continuously assess subcontractor performance for risks.
• Identify and implement cost‑saving measures, such as multi‑project purchases.
• Ensure all contractual documentation aligns with established procedures and processes.
• Continuously assess subcontractor performance and associated risks.
• Develop strategic business relationships with major subcontractors to support long‑term collaboration.
• Track subcontracted equipment or services, providing clear and concise reporting within a matrix structure to keep Work Package and Project Managers informed.
• Enhance the profile of the Subcontracts Team within SSTL.
• Contribute to the improvement of existing policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper flow‑down of customer terms and conditions and alignment of milestone payment plans to support project cash flow.

Skills

Subcontract Management

Negotiation

Risk Management

Supplier Evaluation

Project Management

Creative Thinking

Project management

MS Office

ERP systems

MCIPS (benefit)

Education

Degree in Commercial, Business, or Engineering

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

Role Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Subcontracts team, where you will be responsible for managing all aspects of subcontract management. From collaborating with engineering teams to define initial requirements to leading the selection process and negotiating subcontracts, your role will be integral in ensuring successful project execution. You will also oversee the delivery of subcontracted products and services while fostering strategic business relationships with key suppliers. As part of a small, dynamic team of Subcontract Managers, you will contribute across all SSTL missions.

Location

• Surrey Satellite Technology
• Guildford, England, United Kingdom

Reports To

Head of Supply Chain

Key Tasks

• Manage all aspects of subcontracting within assigned projects, including reporting key issues and risks during monthly project reviews.
• Act as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., Airbus legal, regulatory bodies) to ensure commercial and contractual rigor in bid and project activities.
• Lead negotiations with internal and external stakeholders to secure favourable contract terms.
• Identify and implement cost‑saving measures, such as multi‑project purchases.
• Ensure all contractual documentation aligns with established procedures and processes.
• Continuously assess subcontractor performance and associated risks.
• Develop strategic business relationships with major subcontractors to support long‑term collaboration.
• Track subcontracted equipment or services, providing clear and concise reporting within a matrix structure to keep Work Package and Project Managers informed.
• Enhance the profile of the Subcontracts Team within SSTL.
• Contribute to the improvement of existing policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper flow‑down of customer terms and conditions (T&Cs) and alignment of milestone payment plans to support project cash flow.

Person Specification (Essential Requirements)

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in Subcontract or Contract Management, ideally within the satellite, engineering, or aerospace industry.
• Degree‑level education or equivalent in a Commercial, Business, or Engineering discipline.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and contractual risk management.
• Proven experience in negotiating and implementing standard and non‑standard contracting vehicles, ideally with full life‑cycle experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot and facilitate solutions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in supplier evaluation and down‑selection processes.
• Background in process development within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Working knowledge of procurement and project management processes.
• MCIPS qualification or progress towards MCIPS is beneficial but not essential.
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills.
• Creative thinker with the ability to challenge established practices.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills at all levels.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Strong understanding of contractual and programmatic risk, with a pragmatic approach to mitigation.
• Results‑driven and able to perform effectively under pressure.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally as required.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems.
• Ability to obtain SC clearance if required.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes; 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!

Apply June 22, 2025