Subcontract Programme Manager - Space

About the Role

Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow.

Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing and long-term economic growth. Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning and innovation.

This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

The Role:

We're looking for a Subcontract Programme Manager - Space to join our team based from Havant, Hampshire. This role benefits from our 4xFlex working pattern offering a 4 day working week Monday - Thursday. We also offer hybrid working with typically 2-3 days a week onsite or travelling to customer.

This programme is focused on delivering the next generation of military satellite communications capability. As the space environment becomes increasingly congested and contested, and demand for secure, high-bandwidth, and resilient communications continues to grow, the programme will enable a secure, high-performance network supporting UK Government, allied nations, and Defence personnel worldwide. This role is subject to contract award.

The Subcontract Programme Manager reports to the Supply Chain Lead for LMUK Space.

The role leads a multi-functional Supply Chain Management Team (SMT) responsible for engagement with external suppliers. It holds accountability for third-party deliverables across capture and delivery programmes, ensuring commercial, cost, technical, schedule, and quality requirements are achieved for all contracted products and services. Acting as the primary interface into the supply base, the SMT works collaboratively with programme management, customers, and suppliers to develop integrated supply chain solutions that support programme success.

The role requires experience working across complex, multi-layered programmes, with direct responsibility for supplier engagement and regular interaction with the Project Management Office (PMO).

Responsibilities:

• Leading the cross-functional Supplier Management Team across internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Translating customer and internal requirements into supplier work packages, including RFI/RFQ documentation and subcontract statements of work.
• Identifying and engaging prospective suppliers, including early capability assessments and market engagement activities.
• Managing supplier proposals and leading negotiations on key contract elements, including pricing, schedule, technical compliance, and terms & conditions.
• Running competitive procurement activities, analysing supplier responses, and recommending best-value solutions based on cost, quality, and performance.
• Ensuring supplier performance against contractual deliverables through effective monitoring and delivery management.
• Leading reviews and providing clear, accurate, and timely reporting to the Supply Chain Lead in line with programme governance and reporting cycles.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Proven experience managing Subcontracts within the Defence or Space industry
• Supporting UK MoD programmes and/or competitive capture activities is preferred.
• Strong procurement and commercial experience, with good business acumen, financial awareness, and analytical capability.
• Experience working within multi-functional teams, with a track record of delivering business and programme objectives.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Proactive self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and independently.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective long-term relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required, both within the UK and internationally.