Programme Manager Defence - Major Subcontracts
// Role Summary
Lead the successful execution of a portfolio of major defence subcontracts in Armoured Vehicles, Platform Integration, Special Projects, and Weapons domains, managing supplier performance and developing supply chain strategies.
// Key Responsibilities
- Manage major subcontracts across defence sectors including Armoured Vehicles and Weapons.
- Oversee supplier cost, schedule, and technical performance for complex subcontracts.
- Lead multi-functional subcontract management teams.
- Develop supply chain strategies for bids, proposals, and business growth.
- Requires proven Programme Management experience within the Defence industry.
- Flexibility to travel as required in the UK and abroad.
// Role Specification
About the Role
Join Lockheed Martin UK as a Programme Manager Defence - Major Subcontracts, based at our Ampthill, Bedfordshire site. This role offers a 4-day working week with Fridays off and hybrid working (onsite Monday and Tuesday). As part of the Global Supply Chain Organisation, you'll be instrumental in a renowned international defence company known for innovative products and excellent career progression opportunities.
You will be accountable for the successful execution of a diverse portfolio of major subcontracts spanning Armoured Vehicles, Platform Integration, Special Projects, and Weapons areas. This role supports both domestic and international programme and business needs, leveraging a worldwide supply base predominantly in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and the US.
There are also opportunities to develop comprehensive supply chain strategies and solutions to support bids and proposals within the Defence Sector and commercial environments as the business grows.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, determined, and committed individual who is a confident self-starter with the ability to drive and implement change. The ideal candidate is a team player with proven management ability in a multi-functional organisation, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and exceptional stakeholder management ability. Flexibility to travel within the UK and abroad is required.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Managing subordinate teams overseeing supplier cost, schedule, and technical performance on moderate-to-high-risk subcontracts (including COTS, performance specification, and complex build-to-print) for commercial, MOD, and international programs.
- Leading multi-functional subcontract management teams, incorporating quality, engineering, and other supply chain members.
- Holding procurement delegation and signing supplier agreements and purchase orders within that authority.
- Directing contract administration resources and developing subcontract specifications, work statements, and terms and conditions for procuring specialised materials, equipment, and services for development, production, and sustainment using multiple contract types.
- Selecting or recommending subcontractors and preparing subcontract packages.
- Preparing, awarding, and managing resulting subcontracts and associated change activities.
- Coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection, training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions, if required.
Required Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
- Proven Programme Management experience within the Defence industry.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers to meet cost, schedule, and technical performance requirements of highly complex subcontracts.
- Outstanding Programme Management, Commercial, Financial, and Technical management acumen.
- Capability to identify and mitigate risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
- Success in working in multi-functional organisations.
- Ability to achieve delivery to tight schedules in a dynamic work environment.
Desired Skills:
- Experience as a supply chain professional in developing subcontracts to support new business, including bids and captures for complex items and systems.
- Supply chain experience in the defence sector.
- Application of Earned Value Management.
- Knowledge of SAP (or similar) ERP systems.
- CIPS qualification.