Supply Chain Senior Executive

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Supply Chain Senior Executive to join the Tiger Team with our prestigious client BAE Systems at their site in Barrow In Furness

The Tiger Team is accountable to the Supply Chain Director – Strategic Cost Management and Integrated Systems for providing strategic leadership and subject management expertise across all aspects of Supply Chain management relating to major subcontract activities. Given the need to operate, interface, negotiate with and influence at both Board and Corporate level for both internal and external organisations this role requires candidates that possess a level of experience normally attained and demonstrated at a senior executive level. Using appropriate competencies and capabilities the candidates will be able to formulate and articulate strategies that will shape the acquisition of whole boat supply chain solutions. The Tiger Team Lead will be able to lead direct and indirect reports, influence colleagues, team members and members at all levels from adjacent functions within the Submarines business. This role is critical to ensuring value for money, performance, and alignment with Submarines’ business objectives. The Tiger Team Lead needs to take a holistic, proactive, and influential role in supplier and equipment strategy development, the management of strategic cost and the end-to-end contracting process. They will provide authoritative guidance and challenge to both the Supply Chain and Cost Analytics teams, ensuring the effective delivery of complex supplier engagements.

Typical duties include 

Health, Safety, Environment (SHE) & Quality

Promote a safety-first culture and ensure the health and safety of employees.
Embed the SHE and Quality Management System, including process instructions, risk assessments, user guides, and control measures.

Governance (Strategic Oversight & Risk Assurance)

Provide senior leadership in the strategic implementation and continuous improvement of Supply Chain Management (SCM) across DN and SSNA, ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide objectives and compliance standards.
Define and drive the development of long-term supplier acquisition and contracting strategies in collaboration with cross-functional leadership, commercial, legal, and technical stakeholders.
Champion proactive supplier management, including early risk identification, issue resolution, and performance escalation protocols to maintain supply continuity and resilience.
Lead coherence reviews for Route to Contract (RTC), ensuring strategic alignment from supplier selection through to PO placement, and embedding best practices across teams.
Embed robust cost control assurance processes at all Stage Gates, integrating governance reviews to drive accountability, transparency, and value for money.

Cost Management (Value Realisation & Commercial Leadership)

Provide senior-level challenge and scrutiny of Basis of Estimates (BoEs) and Estimates at Completion (EACs), leveraging cross-programme insights and Lessons from Experience (LfE), particularly from DN.
Direct and enable supply and cost analytics teams in the identification, negotiation, and realisation of strategic cost reduction opportunities through commercial levers, supplier collaboration, and contractual innovation.
Champion cultural transformation initiatives aimed at embedding cost-conscious behaviour across the supply chain function while enhancing supplier trust and partnership dynamics.
Act as a senior authority on SSRO regulatory requirements for Qualified Sub Contracts (QSCs), providing coaching, quality assurance, and oversight of Appropriate, Attributable and Reasonable (AARs).
Drive the strategic deployment of cost-saving methodologies and alignment to broader business transformation goals.
General Leadership (Capability Development & Strategic Influence)
Lead the uplift of functional capability by championing a culture of continuous improvement, embedding coaching, mentoring, knowledge transfer, and strategic capability insertion across the supply chain function.
Act as a key advisor to senior leadership on supply chain governance, commercial risk, and supplier performance, contributing to enterprise decision-making and programme success.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence and align cross-functional priorities, drive integration, and improve business outcomes.
Represent the supply chain function at governance boards, internal audits, and programme reviews, ensuring visibility, credibility, and accountability at the executive level.
Lead and coach delivery teams and future Tiger Team Leads in high value, high stakes multi million pound sub-contracts.
Knowledge: (Recommended max 5 bullets/statements)
Industry & Business Knowledge
Submarines Business: In-depth understanding of the Submarines business and its integration within BAE Systems, as well as the impact of external factors on the business environment.
Procurement Processes & Regulations: Strong knowledge of UK MoD procurement processes, including Single Sourcing Regulations (SSR) and Qualifying Sub Contracts (QSCs).
Business Management Systems (BMS): Familiarity with the company’s BMS, operational frameworks, and core business processes.
Commercial & Contractual Knowledge
Terms and Conditions: Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing terms and conditions within complex supply chain and procurement contracts.
Commercial Regulations: Deep commercial knowledge, particularly in areas like Single Sourcing Regulations, Qualified Sub Contracts, and relevant industry standards.
Project Management & Risk Management: Understanding of project management methodologies and frameworks, with a focus on Risk and Opportunity Management within procurement and supply chain contexts.

Supply Chain & Procurement Knowledge

Routes to Contract (RTC): Knowledge of the various routes to contract and the associated processes for effective supplier integration.
Procurement SQE: Strong understanding of critical procurement functions, such as negotiation tactics and supplier performance management.

Skills: 

Leadership & Strategic Influence
Executive Leadership: Ability to interface with senior leadership, including CEOs and Executive Committees, to align supply chain and procurement strategies with broader organizational goals.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate and engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, presenting complex issues and solutions effectively.
Motivation & Influence: Demonstrated capability to motivate, persuade, and influence others, with gravitas and the ability to drive change across the organisation.
Commercial & Negotiation Skills
Negotiation Expertise: Advanced skills in contract negotiation, with the ability to drive favourable terms, resolve conflicts, and align supplier agreements with business objectives.
Cost Optimisation & Value Realisation: Skilled in managing cost and value delivery through effective supplier negotiations, contract management, and process optimization.
People Management & Development
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, identifying gaps and providing coaching to enhance individual and team capabilities.
Capability Building: Expertise in identifying capability gaps and developing targeted training, mentoring, and coaching programs to elevate the core skill base of the supply chain function.

Qualifications: 

Relevant professional qualification e.g Degree MCIPS, CEng, RICS, APM, (not essential but desirable)
Experience or demonstrable awareness in Supply Chain management and major sub contracts.
Management, leadership and business executive skills.
Skills and experience at an executive level including Project Management, product awareness, commercial acumen, engineering acumen, financial awareness and effective influencing skills.

Recognising the RESTRICTED nature of the work, suitable candidates will be SC cleared or eligible for this level of clearance