Head of Supply Chain & Commercial Management

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Supply Chain & Commercial Management

Location: Barrow-in-Furness

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £110,000 dependent on skills and experiences and executive package

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role description:

You will set and deliver functional strategies, plans and objectives that support Submarines’ business goals across major infrastructure programmes, including the 10+ year BCCR Shipyard Capability programme, inclusive of completion of the existing Dreadnought Facilities Site Redevelopment Programme. You will lead a professional, inclusive Supply Chain and commercial function, ensuring strong collaboration across the wider business.

You will define Commercial and Supply Chain strategies, act as a key programme focal point, and lead negotiations on major construction projects (£20m–£400m+). You will oversee contract development, risk and dispute resolution, provide guidance on prime contract alignment, and lead end-to-end Supply Chain engagement across critical programmes.

Core duties:

• Driving best‑practice commercial and supply chain processes; mentoring others and fostering continuous learning
• Leading procurement frameworks, contract strategy, negotiation, administration, and close-out across complex construction programmes
• Ensuring audit compliance, governance adherence, and timely resolution of findings and improvement actions
• Providing financial insight, cost control, savings tracking, and clear reporting to senior stakeholders and boards
• Strengthening supplier performance, ethical practice, collaboration, and cross-functional alignment to deliver programme objectives
• Promoting a strong, inclusive safety culture; embedding Quality and SHE standards, processes, and risk controls

Essential skills:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) with strong, relevant industry experience across client and contractor environments
• Proven end-to-end procurement/commercial/construction management expertise within complex construction programmes
• Strong, inclusive leadership and executive capability, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale sourcing activity and delivering strategic procurement outcomes
• Deep understanding of category management, governance, risk, and commercial strategy development
• Experienced in managing complex contract documentation and resolving high-value commercial disputes across major programmes

The Team:

Join a truly exciting team delivering a once-in-a-lifetime programme supporting a vital national endeavour. From the £3–4Bn BCCR Shipyard Capability Infrastructure Programme to closing out the Dreadnought Facilities SRP through 2027, you’ll contribute to innovative, complex and far-reaching projects shaping the future.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 10th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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