Description
Senior Subcontract Manager
Programme Name: LCST
Location: Bristol / Hybrid
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Role Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Subcontract Manager who will provide senior supply chain leadership for the end-to-end subcontract lifecycle on a complex, high-value Defence programme.
Owning governance, risk management and assurance for a portfolio of strategically important subcontractors, ensuring robust flow-down of customer requirements, compliance with company and programme controls, and delivery of best-value outcomes. Acting as a trusted advisor to programme leadership and change teams, shaping commercial strategy and enabling delivery while protecting Leidos’ contractual and reputational position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
*Own and lead the end-to-end subcontract lifecycle for a portfolio of critical and/or high-risk subcontractors (strategy, sourcing support, negotiation, award, administration, change control, performance management and close-out)
*Lead complex negotiations (terms & conditions, statements of work, pricing, delivery, IP/licensing, liability and flow-down obligations), securing outcomes aligned to programme objectives and Leidos risk appetite
*Provide programme-level subcontract governance and assurance: establish/maintain the subcontract management approach, controls, templates and cadence; ensure contract file integrity, approvals, and auditable records
*Translate customer requirements and direction into compliant subcontract actions (including modifications, change proposals and notices), ensuring timely flow-down and clear accountability for delivery
*Identify, quantify and manage commercial and contractual risk; develop mitigation plans; escalate material issues appropriately and brief senior stakeholders with clear options and recommendations
*Manage supplier relationships for key subcontractors, driving performance, issue resolution and continuous improvement; support recovery plans where delivery, quality or service levels are at risk
*Partner with internal functions to provide integrated commercial advice, aligning subcontract actions to programme performance, cost control and customer commitments
*Support new business and proposals by shaping subcontracting strategy, assessing commercial risk, preparing compliant bid inputs and negotiating preferred supplier positions
*Coach and develop junior commercial/subcontracts staff to build capability across the function
*Contribute to functional improvement: identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls and improve cycle times/quality across subcontracting activities
Impact / Authority
*Operates with significant autonomy within delegated authority, making decisions that impact programme cost, schedule, performance and risk
*Owns outcomes for assigned subcontract portfolio; leads cross-functional resolution of complex issues spanning multiple specialties
*Influences programme leadership and stakeholders on commercial approach, risk posture and solution options
Required Skills:
*MCIPS (or working towards) / equivalent professional accreditation
*Demonstrable experience leading complex subcontract negotiations and managing a portfolio of subcontract types and value/risk profiles
*Strong understanding of contractual principles, flow-down of customer requirements, change control and subcontract governance controls
*Proven ability to identify and manage commercial risk, develop mitigation strategies and communicate recommendations to senior stakeholders
*Strong business acumen; ability to understand and articulate commercial impacts on programme performance and adjacent functions
*Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills; credible with senior supplier and internal leadership audiences
*Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently with minimal oversight, and maintain high standards of quality and compliance
*Day to Day procurement management within business system aligned to contract with change and delivery
Desired Skills:
*Experience in Defence / government contracting environments and complex supply chains
*Experience supporting contract change / proposal activity and supplier strategy development
Clearance Requirements:
* BPSS pre-screening required to Start

* SC required for the role

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Leidos UK! Join our team and discover a culture of collaboration, innovation, diversity, trust, caring management, communication transparency, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction...
What we do for you:
At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.
We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
• Flexible Working Scheme
Commitment to Diversity:
We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.
Who We Are:
The Logistics Commodities & Services Transformation (LCST) Programme for the UK Ministry of Defence is a critical effort to enhance and improve the UK’s defence supply chain. The programme provides essential services such as storage and distribution for the MOD’s materiel, including a global freight service and the procurement and inventory management of 70,000 commodity NATO Stock Number (NSNs).
Working together as Team Leidos we are helping to transform the UK’s defence supply chain by providing an integration of a complex mixture of services, at low risk, using a modern