Sub Contract Manager

Job Description:

The Opportunity

Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics, delivering mission-critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, and surveillance across land, sea, and air.

We're currently looking for a Sub-Contract Manager to join our Procurement team in Edinburgh, supporting the Radar Surveillance line of business.

This is a pivotal role in our Aftermarket & Support area-where you will contribute to long-term customer support. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape procurement strategies, solve complex challenges, and make a meaningful impact on key programmes.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and enjoy driving results, this is the opportunity for you.

What you will do

In this varied and engaging role, you will:

• Lead sub-contract management and related procurement activities across multiple programmes

• Drive supplier performance through regular engagement, business reviews, and proactive risk management

• Play a key role in developing aftermarket solutions, often operating independently to deliver outcomes

• Act as the procurement lead within cross-functional teams-working closely with engineering, production, commercial, and project colleagues

• Draft and negotiate commercially complex agreements and business case models that support programme success

• Translate aftermarket project requirements into clear commercial frameworks and negotiate these with suppliers

• Identify and mitigate risks around contracts, IPR, liabilities, and currency exposure

• Shape procurement strategies throughout the full project lifecycle, working closely with the production procurement team to identify joint opportunities

• Prepare and review Statements of Work (SoW) and contract documentation in collaboration with internal stakeholders

• Prepare and maintain a range of Lifecycle Management (LCM) reporting tools, including Procurement Plans to track material sourcing, contracting compliance, and bid support status.

• Provide insightful analysis of material pricing to support Product Cost Review Boards for support requirements, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation aligned with project targets

• Manage end-to-end sourcing tasks including Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Purchase Order (PO) placement using SAP

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the function

• Ensure compliance with export regulations, third-party rights, and internal governance frameworks

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is not only technically capable but also forward-thinking and confident in building relationships across the business. You should be:

• Proactive and self-driven, with the ability to take initiative and lead by example

• A strong communicator, able to build trust with stakeholders and suppliers

• Analytical and curious, with a passion for understanding problems and creating practical solutions

• Collaborative, with a team-first mindset and the ability to work across functions

You really must have:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience/training (MCIPS qualification or working towards it is desirable)

• Proven experience in procurement or subcontract management-ideally within Defence, Aerospace, or a similar regulated sector

• Strong commercial acumen with negotiation, planning, and problem-solving skills

• A good understanding of legal and commercial contracting principles

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to both detail and strategic direction

• Familiarity with SAP

It would be nice if you also had:

• Knowledge of Export Compliance

Why join our procurement team?

At Leonardo, you will be part of a motivated team where your ideas matter and your growth is supported. You will enjoy autonomy in your role, access to development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference in a globally recognised organisation.

If you're looking for a role that's both challenging and rewarding-and want to be part of a forward-thinking, high-performing team

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit :

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us

• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year

• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)

• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)

• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme

• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin

Primary Location:

GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite