Supply Chain Manager

Northrop Grumman UK; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working options

Private healthcare

Cash health plan

Holiday buy and sell scheme

Career development programmes

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Supply Chain Lead to oversee procurement, supplier management and operational excellence across Defence programmes, ensuring on-time delivery and value.

You will forecast demand, manage purchase orders, sourcing, scheduling and inventory, supporting UK-wide and international deployments, with a focus on risk management and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Experience with NEC3 or NEC4 contracts within construction.
• Construction procurement experience.
• Experience working in a supply chain function.
• Subcontract negotiation and management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior supply chain support across programmes and align with business needs.
• Identify suitable suppliers for programme items and services.
• Lead negotiation and tendering strategies for best value and on-time delivery.
• Manage supplier performance including pricing, availability and issue resolution.
• Build and maintain mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
• Monitor supply chain risks and escalation processes.
• Track supplier performance metrics such as quality and on-time delivery.

Skills

Supply chain management

Contract negotiation

Procurement

Supplier management

Risk assessment

Stakeholder relations

Security clearance (SC) awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

NEC3/NEC4 contracts

Job description

• Career development programmes

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Salary - £47,400 - £58,000

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible.

This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

As a Supply Chain Lead, you will be a key member of our Supply Chain team, ensuring customer requirements are met while protecting the commercial and financial interests of the business. You will help develop and deliver a sustainable supply chain that supports our Defence programmes, providing expert guidance on procurement, supplier management and operational effectiveness. Your work will shape strategic supply chain initiatives, optimise spend, and enhance collaboration with suppliers. This includes demand forecasting, purchase order management, material sourcing, scheduling and inventory control. You will play a vital role in supporting UK‑wide and internationally deployed systems that form the modern backbone of the Royal Navy.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide senior supply chain support across programmes, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Identify suitable suppliers for programme items and services.
• Lead negotiation and tendering strategies to secure best value and on‑time delivery.
• Manage supplier performance, including pricing, availability and issue resolution.
• Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
• Monitor supply chain risks, including obsolence and supply issues, and escal
• Ensure supplier performance metrics such as quality, on‑time delivery and risk management are effectively tracked.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Degree qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Experience with NEC3 or NEC4 contracts within construction.
• Construction procurement experience
• Experience working within a supply chain function.
• Demonstrated success in subcontract negotiation and management.
• Experience reviewing and contributing to proposals.
• Strong relationship‑building skills.
• Understanding of supply chain operations and efficiency improvement.
• Knowledge of contract and subcontract law.

Preferred

• Experience in defence, engineering or complex project environments.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement. We value potential as well as experience.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of this role, you must be a UK national.

You must be able to gain and maintain SC level UK Government security clearance.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working options, including an optional compressed fortnight
• Private healthcare
• Cash health plan
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• Career development programmes
• Performance bonuses

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world, supporting Defence programmes and mission‑critical systems.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

Every voice matters. You will be part of an inclusive community that supports authenticity, respect and collaboration.

Your Career, Your Way

Shape your future through diverse roles, development pathways and mentoring opportunities, supported by wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.