UK remote
Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals
About this role
Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals Location: Preferably Bristol, with Appledore, Belfast or Methil also considered. Travel to other Navantia sites and supplier locations will be required. Navantia UK is looking for a Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals to lead the development of competitive, compliant and resilient supply chain solutions for our defence programmes. This is an opportunity to shape sourcing strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships and support major bids from early development through to contract award and delivery.
What you’ll do Lead a small team delivering robust supply chain input across bids and proposals. Develop contracting and sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, technology and risk. Partner with Engineering, Operations, Commercial and Legal teams on procurement packages, specifications, delivery models and cost models. Lead supplier engagement and negotiations, securing contract-quality offers and clear recommendations for approval.
Build insight into global and UK supply chain capability, capacity and emerging opportunities. Develop high-performing supplier relationships and lead reviews with key strategic suppliers. Drive category management, cost reduction, value engineering, continuous improvement and digitalisation. Identify strategic supply chain risks and put effective management plans in place. What you’ll bring Leadership experience in a complex maritime, construction, defence, aerospace or project-based environment.
Strong procurement, commercial, contracting, negotiation and cost-analysis capability. Experience of complex contract models and business cases, ideally supporting NATO or Ministry of Defence contracts. A sound understanding of contract law, defence procurement, financial modelling and supplier risk. The ability to build trusted relationships with senior suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders. Familiarity with ERP systems, bid tools and export or security requirements such as ITAR.
Why join us? You’ll have the opportunity to influence supply chain strategy across significant UK defence programmes, lead meaningful supplier partnerships and help create long-term competitive advantage for Navantia UK. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, identities and experiences. If your experience does not match every point listed but you believe you can make a strong contribution, we encourage you to apply.