Sub-Contract Manager

Job Description

The role of a Sub Contract Manager at Leonardo offers a wide variety of experiences and is both exciting and challenging in its nature. This role in particular represents a unique opportunity for a high calibre candidate to thrive and grow within the Combat Air sector.

This role will involve actively working in a matrix organisation structure supporting a variety of complex assignments for both Production and Development Integrated Project Teams (IPT’s) in the Combat Air sector. The focus for this role will be the management of high value and high-risk sub-contract commitments for an emerging requirement that requires strategic thinking to position a value chain. The IPTs demand associated with Production & Development continues to grow within the Combat Air Sector and requires any individual successfully appointed able to translate complex, early concept customer requirements and ensure that these are carefully flowed down to subcontractors ensuring back-to-back campaigns and project execution.

The ability to build, foster and create value with strategic partners and suppliers is essential.

• Lead the delivery of sub-contract management activities and other procurement related services which may be required by the business
• Lead relationships with Strategic Leonardo suppliers, holding Supplier Business Reviews, ensuring performance management, risks and impacts.
• Provide leadership and governance in business winning and programme delivery with minimum supervision.
• Accountable for the Procurement activities within the Procurement & Development IPTs
• Negotiate complex agreements and risk/reward mechanisms for business case models
• Translate customer / project requirements into commercial documents, particularly pertaining to the design, development and production of bespoke complex electronic systems and sub-systems
• Understand mechanisms of mitigating risk associated with entering into commercial agreements
• Develop and negotiate robust contracts for services, intangible and tangible deliverables
• Working in collaboration with cross functional stakeholders to ensure the flowdown of appropriate terms and conditions from customer contracts to enable compliance with contractual obligations and mitigate commercial / contractual risks
• Promotes customer intimacy in both internal and external relationships
• Requires technical training to degree standard, professional qualification and/or significant domain experience (studying towards or achievement of MCIPS is preferred)
• Demonstrated collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, influencing, decision making and continuous improvement skills
• A good working knowledge and understanding of Procurement within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector) and ability to apply them with minimal supervision and direction
• Relationship building skills with cross-functional colleagues, customers and suppliers
• A good understanding of the Commercial and Legal Aspects associated with contracting within the Defence/Aerospace industry (or a similar sector)

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning…