Lead Project Manager

TN United Kingdom; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defense sector is seeking a Lead Project Manager to oversee major development and production programmes. This role involves managing stakeholder relationships, ensuring project alignment with strategies, and maintaining budgetary controls. Candidates should possess a degree and relevant project management qualifications, with strong financial management skills and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working options and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension: Up to 10% employer contribution

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Flexible Working: Hybrid options available

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym memberships

Access to over 4000 online courses via Coursera

Referral Incentive

Bonus Scheme for management level and below

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification required.
• APM PMQ qualification desirable.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Ensure project strategies align with overall programme strategy.
• Own the project budget and monitor expenditures.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Project Financial Management

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

APM PMQ qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

P6

Job description

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Reporting into the Praetorian Programme Manager for Test Equipment, Support & Cooling Integrated Project Teams (IPT)

The opportunity:

We have great opportunities in Project Management for managing a number of Major Development and Production Programmes within the Praetorian Programmes Business Area.

The Praetorian IPTs include some high-value customer contracts over several years, making this a highly visible and exciting role within the business area and line of business, contributing significantly to our business success.

What you will do as a Lead Project Manager:

Responsibilities for these Project Managers will include:

• Managing relationships with multiple stakeholders in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and internal business departments.
• Ensuring project strategies remain aligned with the overall programme strategy.
• Managing outsourcing and internal development projects.
• Producing estimates in conjunction with relevant functions.
• Generating and presenting multiple metric reports to the Purchaser at monthly reviews.
• Generating a SAP monthly CSR and presenting it to the business.
• Ensuring accurate estimates for proposed work are provided and sufficient contingency is applied.
• Owning the Project budget, monitoring expenditures and costs throughout the financial year.
• Serving as the point of contact for the Purchaser, Customer, and Workshare Partners.

What we need from you:

Key Responsibility Areas

• Managing and overseeing Development or Production Projects.
• Ensuring schedule, cost, and quality adherence.
• Managing Project Risks and Opportunities.
• Managing internal and external stakeholders/customers.
• Reporting internally to IPT Lead and/or Sector VP.
• Providing monthly reports to the Customer.
• Monitoring and managing Project bookings.

Qualification/Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• APM PMQ qualification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and Project Financial management.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams (Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Planning, Manufacturing, Operations) and organizing workload autonomously.
• Technical insight into Project Management for Development roles.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage key stakeholders effectively.
• Proven ability to create and manage project plans, schedules, and earned value management.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship skills and collaboration ability.
• Proactive attitude with a focus on continuous improvement and high performance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP, and P6.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Knowledge and Competencies

• Knowledge of Praetorian products and groups for Development Roles.
• Experience working with BAES, European Partners, and UK MoD.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Intrinsic Job Factors

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Motivated with the ability to motivate others.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical disciplines.
• Positive attitude and good interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel within Europe and the Middle East for customer meetings.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information, visit:

Life at Leonardo

Leonardo offers a benefits package, learning and development opportunities, and flexible working hours tailored to employee and customer needs, making a career here accessible and rewarding.

• Pension: Up to 10% employer contribution.
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue additional flexi days.
• Flexible Working: Hybrid options available; part-time opportunities upon discussion.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, financial wellbeing, and various network groups.
• Lifestyle: Discounted gym memberships, Cycle to Work scheme.
• Flexible benefits: Private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, tech, and lifestyle allowances.
• Training: Access to over 4000 online courses via Coursera.
• Referral Incentive: Rewards for successful referrals.
• Bonus Scheme: Available for employees at management level and below.