Subcontract Manager

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Subcontract Manager/Senior Buyer

Glasgow - Hybrid module

This role is responsible for overseeing and enhancing supplier contract deliverables from order placement through delivery, ensuring products and services are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and adhere to cost agreements. This role involves managing complex and high-risk contracts, including Build-to-Print orders, with a focus on supplier performance improvement and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier relationship management and operational performance in collaboration with internal teams (Project, Engineering, Quality, and Industry).

• Define, track, and report on key supplier performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery and quality compliance.

• Develop and execute supplier improvement plans to enhance delivery, quality, and cost-efficiency.

• Identify and manage operational risks and opportunities within supplier contracts.

• Facilitate supplier performance reviews and contract milestone tracking.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, employing best practices such as Lean methodologies and risk assessment tools (e.g., DMAIC, PFMEA).

• Ensure alignment between Thales and suppliers to optimize processes and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Mentor and guide junior buyers or procurement team members on supplier performance and contract management strategies.

Training and Experience:

• Working towards MCIPS, EIPM, CPIM, or equivalent Procurement/Supply Chain qualification, and/or

• Master's degree in Engineering, and/or

• Several years’ experience in regulated manufacturing, procurement, production, supply chain, or engineering management.

Insights:

• Strong understanding of industrial/production/project environments.

• Knowledge of supplier contractual, procurement, and commercial relationships.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare (grade dependent)

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group

Connect with Fiona Tal, Talent Acquisition Partner #LI-FT1 who is eager to explore together with you this exciting opportunity.

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!