Aerospace Program Lead (14‑Month FTC) – Hybrid

Collins Aerospace; Leighton Buzzard; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Bonus scheme

Fantastic pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, Leighton Buzzard, is seeking a Program Manager on a 14‑month FTC to lead major aerospace programs. The role requires on-site presence at least 3 days a week in a hybrid setup, coordinating Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations and more to deliver on time and within budget.

You will shape program plans, manage P&L, and drive continuous improvement across divisions. A STEM degree and PM certification (Prince2/PMP) are highly desirable, with 5+ years in the field and leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in program and project management.
• Experience managing programs in the manufacturing industry.
• PM certification (Prince2 or PMP) preferred; STEM degree desirable.
• Proven leadership in a matrix organisation and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs to ensure adherence to program plans, schedules and budgets.
• Coach and inspire cross-functional teams across Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial, Finance, Quality, Aftermarket, and Business Development to deliver complex aerospace programs.
• Manage the P&L of the programs to ensure profitability through effective budget control, forecasting and supplier management.
• Direct the development and execution of program plans, including milestones, schedules, and budgets, to ensure delivery against contractual and business objectives.
• Identify and address conflicts that arise during the program and find win‑win solutions to benefit all parties, including escalation to Senior Sales and Program Manager.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and lessons learned, leading teams to optimise efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

MS Excel

MS Office

MS Project

Reporting

Problem solving

Time management

Education

STEM degree

PM certification (Prince2/PMP)

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

Date Posted:

2026-07-15

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

Title: Program Manager - FTC

Location: Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

The Program Manager will lead the successful delivery of the galley programs and associated airline projects, ensuring programs are executed efficiently, on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives. The role will act as a primary liaison between internal teams and external customers, overseeing multiple projects, managing resources, risks, and opportunities, and driving continuous improvement and team performance across the programs.

Note: This is a 14 month FTC role with a possibility of becoming perm

What you will do:

• Lead programs to ensure adherence to program plans, schedules and budgets. Coach, and inspire cross-functional teams across Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial, Finance, Quality, Aftermarket, and Business Development to deliver complex aerospace programs.
• Manage the P&L of the programs to ensure profitability though effective budget control, forecasting and supplier management.
• Direct the development and execution of program plans, including milestones, schedules, and budgets, to ensure delivery against contractual and business objectives. Drive proactive management of scope, risks, and opportunities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and contractual requirements.
• Identifying and addressing conflicts that arise during the program and finding win-win solutions to benefit all parties including the solving of difficult problems and escalation of complex issues to the Snr. Sales and Program Manager.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and lessons learned, leading teams to optimize efficiency, quality, and delivery performance. Champion change leadership, empowering teams to adapt to evolving demands while driving operational excellence and innovation.
  
  

We are a flexible working employer and welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility requirements with our applicants. This role is a hybrid opportunity that will require you to be on-site for minimum of 3 days a week.

Experience & Qualifications we prefer:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in program & project management is essential.
• The successful candidate will also have experience in managing programs from the manufacturing industry – this is also essential.
• A STEM Degree is highly desirable as is PM certification such as Prince 2 / PMP etc.
• Proven people leadership in a matrix organisation.
• External & Internal customer exposure experience – minimum of two years.
• Good knowledge of NPI Product Lifecycle and new product development - Essential.
• The ability to coordinate and manage cross-functional teams of people and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, team members and partners.
• Proven high proficiency on MS Excel and general proficiency in MS office and Project (or similar).
• Management of metrics, dashboard creation and clear reporting skills.
• A high aptitude for problem solving, particularly where negotiations in priorities are concerned.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure in a busy environment.
• Experience in a process driven environment, working to recognised standards or regulations.
  
  

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Competitive Salary
• Bonus Scheme
• Fantastic pension scheme
• Critical illness cover.
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, the ability to buy holidays, a cycle to work scheme & other great employee discounts
  
  

At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities in more than 12 states across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team?

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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