Supply Chain Lead

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: YesRELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeWhat's your possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most - solving tomorrow's challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It's what we call Defining Possible.
This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it's the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.
Opportunity Overview
This is more than just a job; it's a mission.
As a Supply Chain Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering a sustainable, efficient, and strategically aligned supply chain to support our programmes. You'll work as a key member of our Supply Chain team, guiding decision-making, shaping supplier strategies, and strengthening our ecosystem of partners to safeguard commercial interests and enable successful delivery.
You'll influence how we collaborate with suppliers, enhance operational performance, streamline sourcing processes, and drive continuous improvement across the business. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on some of the UK's most pioneering and mission-led programmes.
Role Responsibilities
• Provide senior supply chain support to programmes, including identifying suitable suppliers and shaping negotiation and tendering strategies.
• Lead competitive sourcing activity to ensure on-time delivery, best value, and alignment with programme requirements.
• Negotiate and implement agreements, ensuring customer flowdowns and commercial considerations are fully captured.
• Proactively manage supplier relationships, including price, availability, performance, and obsolescence risks.
• Oversee supplier performance governance, ensuring alignment with supplier management processes and reporting on key metrics such as OTIF, quality, and risk.
• Collaborate closely with Programmes, providing updates, reporting, and timely communication across stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Supply Chain team members and support wider continuous improvement initiatives.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
• Experience within a supply chain function, with strong understanding of how supply chain operations drive organisational efficiency.
• Demonstrable success negotiating and managing subcontracts, with sound knowledge of contract and subcontract law.
• Ability to manage the supply chain elements of complex programmes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel capability and confident use of MS Office and presentation tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Qualified in a relevant subject (preferably degree level).
Preferred:
• CIPS qualification.
• Experience with US export/import trade controls.
• Knowledge of European languages.
If you meet most - but not all - of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential just as much as experience.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must be able to gain and maintain the appropriate UK Government security clearance required for this role.
Our recruitment team is available to provide guidance and answer questions about the process: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Benefits
• Flexible working options, including compressed fortnight.
• Private healthcare.
• Cash health plan to support everyday medical costs.
• Holiday buy and sell scheme.
• Career development programmes and internal mobility opportunities.
• Performance-based bonuses.
Why Join Northrop Grumman UK?