Program Manager (FTC to Full time)

Collins Aerospace; Leighton Buzzard; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bonus Scheme

Fantastic pension scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Income Protection

Critical illness cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Leighton Buzzard is seeking a Program Manager for an FTC-to-perm role to lead EPLs, shape team objectives and oversee programs from award to production handover. You will interface with customers, partners and suppliers and drive PMO processes for continuous improvement.

The role requires on-site presence at least 3 days per week in a hybrid working arrangement, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional leadership and delivering profitable programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in program & project management is essential.
• Experience in managing programs from the manufacturing industry is essential.
• A STEM Degree is highly desirable and PM certification such as Prince 2 / PMP is preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs to ensure adherence to program plans, schedules and budgets.
• Manage the P&L of the programs to ensure profitability.
• Monitoring for Program scope changes and the directing of new enquiries through Sales.
• 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.
• Collection of Program data from EPLs for presentation to wider stakeholders.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

People leadership

MS Excel

MS Project

Education

STEM degree

Tools

MS 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: 2026-10-26

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

Position Role Type: Hybrid

Title: Program Manager (FTC to Perm)

Location: Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

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.

We are looking for a Program Manager to join our team in Leighton Buzzard to act as line manager to Engineering Program Leads (EPLs) and set the teams objectives. This is an amazing opportunity initially offered on a FTC basis of 12-14 months but is likely to go perm for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of development programs from point of award to Production handover. Interface with Customers, Collins Partners and Suppliers. To facilitate cross-functional collaboration throughout the business and to control the PMO processes and contribute to continued improvement of process and procedure.

What You Will Do

• Lead programs to ensure adherence to program plans, schedules and budgets.
• Manage the P&L of the programs to ensure profitability.
• Monitoring for Program scope changes and the directing of new enquiries through Sales.
• 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.
• Collection of Program data from EPLs for presentation to wider stakeholders.

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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