Manufacturing Project Manager

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company in Luton, UK, is seeking a Product focused Manufacturing Project Manager. The candidate will manage all aspects of product and project management, ensuring successful delivery within operations while liaising with stakeholders. A degree in Engineering and experience in complex programs are essential. This full-time role offers flexible working hours, including hybrid options, and a comprehensive benefits package, enhancing work-life balance and professional growth.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free access to mental health support

Bonus scheme for employees

Free online courses

Financial rewards for referrals

Up to £500 on flexible benefits

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in project planning and scheduling.
• Ability to operate with multiple senior stakeholders.
• Experience in cost control and sub-contract management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and plan manufacturing activities for successful delivery.
• Lead manufacturing input into bid activities for new business.
• Maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Ability to manage multi-disciplined teams

Experience with complex programmes

Strong customer relationship skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Job Description : Your Impact

A Product focused Manufacturing Project Manager is required within the S&PT (Surveillance and Protection Technology) IPT (Integrated Project Team) to take ownership of products within Operations. The role will cover all aspects of Product and Project Management including, management of manufacturing hardware to stock, support to securing product funding and input to roadmap governance, contract reviews, Risk Management, Lifecycle Management, Financial Management.

• Manage and plan all manufacturing activities required for successful delivery.
• Management and identification of product dependency.
• Product risk and opportunity management.
• Achievement of product delivery to schedule, cost and quality.
• Lead the manufacturing input into bid activities for new business.
• Management of internal and external stakeholders / customers relationships
• Internal reporting to IPT Lead and / or Sector VP
• Presentation at Sector and Line of Business performance reviews to present product summary status
• Ensure adherence to company's Lifecycle Management (LCM) as required and tailored to specific needs
• Internal liaison with Capability Managers to help define Product Roadmaps
• Liaison with Functional groups to ensure projects are appropriated resourced to achieve successful execution
• Accountability for contract and project milestone delivery.

What you will bring

• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplined teams (Including, but not limited to – Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Planning, Manufacturing and Operations)
• Demonstrated experience with complex programmes, preferably in an Aerospace / Defence industry environment
• Demonstrated ability to operate with multiple senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated strong Customer relationship skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in all aspects of project planning, scheduling, work package management, sub-contract management and cost control
• Degree qualified or equivalent, preferably in an Engineering discipline

Intrinsic Factors

This is an office based role (3-days a week), using display screen equipment, working full time hours, which can often be in a demanding environment.

• There will be the requirement to travel in the UK and potentially abroad, which may mean overnight stays
• This role will mean working in a challenging environment, often working to tight deadlines.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit :

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge : Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future : Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters : Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance : All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning : Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend : Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks : Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working : Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

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