Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
Subcontracts Manager - Contractor
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Subcontracts Manager - Contractor
Subcontract Manager
Critical Role – Reported to Head of Supply Chain
Role Description
With responsibilities shared across both IR35, this position will sit within the Subcontracts Team, overseeing all aspects of subcontract management, from defining initial requirements with engineering teams to negotiating contracts that ensure successful project delivery.
Key to the role is establishing strong commercial and contractual relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Airbus, regulatory bodies, and major suppliers. The ideal candidate will drive subcontract negotiations, identify cost-saving opportunities, and maintain robust project reporting structures while fostering long-term partnerships with key subcontractors.
This is a dynamic small team-based role, contributing to multiple SSTL missions and a collaborative work environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate contracting processes across assigned projects, reporting risks and issues at monthly project reviews.
- Act as the primary liaison between internal teams (engineering, finance) and external stakeholders (legal advisers, regulatory bodies) to maintain compliance and contractual integrity.
- Lead subcontract negotiations to achieve favourable terms for SSTL.
- Implement cost-saving initiatives, such as bulk procurement across multiple projects.
- Ensure adherence to internal contracting procedures and alignment with Company policies.
- Assess subcontractor performance and associated business risks.
- Develop and nurture long-term supplier relationships to support strategic collaboration.
- Monitor subcontracted supplies/equipment and provide clear reports to Work Package and Project Managers.
- Contribute to process improvements, updating existing subcontract policies and procedures.
- Facilitate flow-down of customer terms and conditions (T&Cs), ensuring project milestone payments align with cash flow requirements.
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Person Specification (Essential Requirements)
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience in subcontract or contract management, preferably within satellite/aerospace/space engineering industries.
- A degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a Commercial, Business, or Engineering discipline.
- Strong statutory procurement knowledge (UK/EU/GGC frameworks relevant).
- Experience negotiating and implementing standard/ Bespoke Agreements, ideally with full contract lifecycle ownership.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to support engineering and technical requirements.
Functional Skills & Competencies
- Commercial & contractual rigour: Ability to manage commercial risk adherence maximising value generation.
- Supplier evaluation & down-selection experience to ensure best-fit partners.
- Process refinement skills to improve existing policies and operational methodologies.
- Open and concise communication with stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong negotiation & influencing abilities across technical, financial, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to challenge the status quo, propose improvements & provide/receive constructive feedback.
- Practical experience in project management frameworks, ensuring logical delivery and oversight.
- UK SC clearance eligible in line with job requirements.
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Attitude & Behaviour
- Highly organized, with a results-focused mindset and willingness to work under scrutiny and pressure.
- Collaborative, demonstrating initiative whilst supporting team objectives.
- Creativity and analytical thinking to identify efficiencies and commercial opportunities.
- Application of law & compliance principles to protect project integrity.
- Flexibility to travel internationally and within the UK when required.
Technical & Digital Proficiencies
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office ( particularly Excel) and ERP systems.
- Comfortable navigating IPC frameworks, contractual templates, and reporting tools.
Location: Guildford, SO16 Office Note: The role may require UK/International travel.
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