Head of Engineering Projects - Defence & EW Delivery

Leonardo UK Ltd; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 15% employer contrib.

Hybrid working pattern

Free Coursera/LinkedIn Learning access

Bonus scheme

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking a Head of Engineering Projects to shape engineering strategy, develop capabilities, and lead delivery of a portfolio of complex programmes from concept to production support.

You will work closely with customers, partners and senior leaders to drive innovation, engineering excellence, and operational performance, while strengthening Leonardo's position as a trusted defence partner.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large engineering programmes across defence or complex systems.
• Strong governance, risk management and safety standards.
• Ability to build high‑performing teams and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction across all programmes and inspire engineering teams to excel.
• Direct planning, resourcing, prioritisation, execution and delivery with cost control.
• Develop talent and drive a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Champion adoption of cutting‑edge technologies and modern methodologies.
• Collaborate with internal disciplines and external partners to ensure aligned delivery.
• Govern lifecycle management across bids and projects and ensure governance compliance.
• Maintain safety, security, and quality standards across engineering teams.
• Optimise budgets and make value‑driven trade‑offs without compromising integrity.
• Drive proactive risk management and escalation across practices.
• Support sector leadership in project, demand, and supply reviews.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Programme delivery

Budget management

Risk management

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Leonardo UK is seeking a Head of Engineering Projects to shape engineering strategy, develop capabilities, and lead delivery of a portfolio of complex programmes from concept to production support.

You will work closely with customers, partners and senior leaders to drive innovation, engineering excellence, and operational performance, while strengthening Leonardo's position as a trusted defence partner.