Programme Manager

Prattwhitney; Leighton Buzzard; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Competitive Salary

Bonus Scheme

Fantastic pension scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking an experienced Program Manager in Leighton Buzzard. This role involves leading development programs from award to production handover, ensuring adherence to plans, and managing program profitability.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years’ experience in program management, particularly in manufacturing, along with a STEM degree and PM certification. The position offers 25 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a hybrid work environment requiring on-site presence for 3 days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in program & project management.
• Experience in managing programs from the manufacturing industry.
• Proven people leadership in a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs to ensure adherence to plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Manage the P&L of the programs to ensure profitability.
• Collect program data from EPLs for presentation to stakeholders.

Skills

Program & project management

Leadership in a matrix organization

MS Excel proficiency

Stakeholder management

Education

STEM Degree

PM certification (Prince 2 / PMP)

Tools

MS Office

Project management software

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-01-19 Country: United Kingdom Location: RPS EMEA GBR Leighton Buzzard, Grovebury Road, Collins Aerospace, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4TB Position Role Type: Unspecified Title: Program Manager Location: 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. 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 an experienced manufacturing 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 to 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.
• Monitor for Program scope changes and direct new enquiries through Sales.
• Identify and address conflicts that arise during the program and find win‑win solutions to benefit all parties, including solving difficult problems and escalating complex issues to the Snr. Sales and Program Manager.
• Collect 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
• Ability to buy holidays
• Cycle to work scheme
• Other great employee discounts

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.