Subcontract Manager

Rochester, Kent
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Your new company

A leading organisation within a complex engineering and manufacturing environment is seeking a Subcontracts Manager / Commercial Specialist to support the delivery of critical programmes. Working within a cross-functional team, this job will take ownership of subcontractor selection, commercial governance, and performance management to ensure successful project outcomes.

Your new role

• Developing subcontract requirements and managing subcontractor selection in collaboration with engineering and project teams
• Managing all subcontract documentation, data, and reporting accurately and to agreed timelines
• Negotiating subcontract terms, pricing, and contractual agreements, resolving conflicts and ensuring full compliance
• Ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, including payments, claims, warranties, and contract amendments
• Proactively managing subcontractor performance against cost, schedule, quality, and KPI requirements
• Managing subcontract variations, minimising commercial and delivery impacts through clear communication
• Identifying and mitigating emerging risks, including those within subcontractors’ supply chains
• Building strong working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated interface with subcontractors
• Undertaking occasional travel to supplier sites within the UK and overseas

What you’ll need to succeed

• Experience in subcontract, project, and/or commercial management roles
• Proven ability to develop and negotiate complex contracts with customers or suppliers
• Track record of successfully delivering major subcontract obligations
• Background within complex engineering or manufacturing environments (ideally defence and/or aerospace sectors)
• Relevant qualifications such as a degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a commercial discipline, or a professional procurement or project management certification
• Knowledge of mechanical, electromechanical, or optical commodities
• Eligibility for security clearance

What you’ll get in return

The overall package is up to £72K with additional benefits such as enhanced pension contributions, Share Schemes, CIPS Development and professional development.You’ll join a technically advanced organisation delivering complex programmes, offering exposure to high-value subcontracts, senior stakeholder engagement, and opportunities for long-term professional development.

What you need to do now

If you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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