Manufacturing Project Lead – Hybrid, Lean & Throughput Focus

Leonardo UK; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Hybrid working

Training & courses

Bonus scheme

Job summary

Leonardo UK in Luton is seeking a Manufacturing Project Manager to lead cross-functional IPTs, coordinating between Manufacturing and the wider business. You will drive robust planning, resource management and successful delivery across the product portfolio, supporting Defence and Aerospace initiatives.

The role requires experience in project and budget management within manufacturing, knowledge of Life Cycle Management, and familiarity with ERP (SAP) and PLM systems.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project, operational and budget management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience within the defence or aerospace sectors.
• Strong understanding of Life Cycle Management processes.
• Experience of delivering operational improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Degree or HND in a relevant discipline.
• APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2 or equivalent qualification.
• Experience using ERP systems (SAP) and PLM systems (Teamcenter Unified).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing supply and demand dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a cross-functional Integrated Project Team to deliver manufacturing objectives.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and risk provisions across the full project lifecycle.
• Drive Manufacturing input into bid activities for new business opportunities.
• Manage resource and capacity plans to ensure successful product delivery and support.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to reduce lead times, increase throughput and deliver cost efficiencies.
• Monitor and review production trends to ensure early warning systems are in place to de-risk potential delivery and quality issues.
• Regularly review expenditure on labour and material to ensure efficient and appropriate usage, aligned with sales forecasts and project performance reviews.
• Champion and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement.
• Optimise WIP and stock holdings to maximise cash flow while maintaining delivery of products in line with business requirements.
• Drive inventory optimisation in line with Lean Manufacturing principles, Line of Business requirements and site targets.
• Empower teams to find, analyse and robustly solve manufacturing and supply chain challenges.
• Work closely with the Integrated Project Teams and Commercial & Finance functions for optimal demand & supply management.
• Prepare and present business reports as required by IPT and/or business area.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal functions and with external stakeholders

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Manufacturing

Lifecycle management

Operational improvements

Financial acumen

Leadership

Education

Degree or HND in a relevant discipline

Tools

SAP

Teamcenter Unified

Job description

Leonardo UK in Luton is seeking a Manufacturing Project Manager to lead cross-functional IPTs, coordinating between Manufacturing and the wider business. You will drive robust planning, resource management and successful delivery across the product portfolio, supporting Defence and Aerospace initiatives.

The role requires experience in project and budget management within manufacturing, knowledge of Life Cycle Management, and familiarity with ERP (SAP) and PLM systems.