Arguile
Subcontract Manager

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Subcontract Manager – Defence
Location:
Bristol or Barnstaple
Working Pattern:
Hybrid / Flexible
Salary:
Up to £65,000 DOE
Are you an experienced Subcontract Manager with a background in Defence, looking for your next opportunity within a growing and technically complex environment?
We’re looking for a Subcontract Manager to join a commercial team supporting major defence programmes. You’ll take ownership of the commercial management of supplier and subcontractor relationships, working closely with project, technical and procurement teams to ensure contracts are delivered effectively and commercial risks are well managed.
The Role
You’ll be responsible for managing the commercial aspects of subcontract and supplier agreements, from negotiation and contract placement through to ongoing performance management.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Negotiating subcontracts, including appropriate customer flow-down requirements, to support project budgets and programme objectives.
- Managing contracts, subcontracts and service agreements to ensure compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
- Supporting make-vs-buy decisions and contributing to sourcing strategies.
- Developing and issuing Statements of Work in collaboration with technical and project teams.
- Attending supplier meetings both on-site and at supplier premises.
- Identifying, assessing and mitigating commercial and compliance risks.
- Monitoring supplier performance and addressing contractual or performance issues.
- Advising Project Managers on supplier performance, contractual matters and commercial best practice.
- Working proactively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve commercial issues and maximise programme opportunities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
We’re looking for someone with significant experience in subcontract or contract management, ideally gained within the Defence or wider highly regulated engineering environment.
You’ll ideally have:
- Strong experience in subcontract management and commercial contract terms.
- Experience working within the UK MOD or Defence sector.
- Knowledge or experience of Earned Value Management (EVM) and performance measurement.
- Familiarity with standard forms of contract and public-sector procurement processes.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.
- Good IT and contract administration skills.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What's on Offer?
- Salary up to £65,000, depending on experience.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- 25 days' annual leave, plus the option to buy and sell leave.
- Flexi-leave allowance.
- Half-day Fridays.
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan.
- Employer pension contribution of up to 8%.
- Annual bonus.
- Life assurance.
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support.
- Cycle-to-work scheme and employee discounts.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Free onsite parking.
If you're an experienced Subcontract Manager / Contract Manager with Defence experience and are looking for a role where you can have a genuine impact across complex programmes, we'd be keen to hear from you.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills