Supply Chain Senior Specialist
// Role Summary
Join Northrop Grumman UK as a Supply Chain Lead, a mission-driven role ensuring customer requirements are met and protecting business interests. You will shape strategic supply chain initiatives to support vital Defence programmes.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead supply chain operations supporting Royal Navy Defence programmes.
- Develop and deliver sustainable supply chain strategies.
- Manage procurement, supplier negotiation, and performance.
- Monitor and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Requires SC level UK Government security clearance.
- UK citizenship is mandatory for this position.
// Role Specification
About the Role
This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. As a Supply Chain Lead at Northrop Grumman UK, you will be a key member of our Supply Chain team, ensuring customer requirements are met while protecting the commercial and financial interests of the business. You will help develop and deliver a sustainable supply chain that supports our Defence programmes, providing expert guidance on procurement, supplier management, and operational effectiveness.
Your work will shape strategic supply chain initiatives, optimise spend, and enhance collaboration with suppliers. This includes demand forecasting, purchase order management, material sourcing, scheduling, and inventory control. You will play a vital role in supporting UK‑wide and internationally deployed systems that form the modern backbone of the Royal Navy.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide senior supply chain support across programmes, ensuring alignment with business needs.
- Identify suitable suppliers for programme items and services.
- Lead negotiation and tendering strategies to secure best value and on‑time delivery.
- Manage supplier performance, including pricing, availability, and issue resolution.
- Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
- Monitor supply chain risks, including obsolescence and supply issues, and escalate concerns when required.
- Ensure supplier performance metrics such as quality, on‑time delivery, and risk management are effectively tracked.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Degree qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- Construction procurement experience.
- Experience working within a supply chain function.
- Demonstrated success in subcontract negotiation and management.
- Experience reviewing and contributing to proposals.
- Strong relationship‑building skills.
- Understanding of supply chain operations and efficiency improvement.
- Knowledge of contract and subcontract law.
Preferred
- Experience in defence, engineering, or complex project environments.
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement. We value potential as well as experience.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of this role, you must be a UK national. You must be able to gain and maintain SC level UK Government security clearance.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working options, including an optional compressed fortnight.
- Private healthcare.
- Cash health plan.
- Holiday buy and sell scheme.
- Career development programmes.
- Performance bonuses.