Project Engineering Manager

Leonardo SpA; West Tofts; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and aerospace company is seeking a Project Engineering Manager in West Tofts, England. You will lead the development of protection systems for UK Forces, managing a dynamic engineering team to deliver projects on time and within budget. The role requires strong leadership abilities, experience in agile environments, and a background in the defence industry is preferred. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free access to mental health support

Bonus scheme for all employees

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Financial reward through referral program

Flexible benefits package

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Significant previous experience in leadership within engineering.
• Experience in the defence industry is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a good attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering development from Requirements through to Acceptance.
• Build strong relationships with engineering leads and external partners.
• Manage engineering output against time, cost, and performance budgets.

Skills

Leadership of multi-discipline engineering teams

Agile development experience

Relationship building

Ability to manage dynamic teams

Job description

Due to growth of the business area, we have a requirement for an additional Project Engineering Manager to join our work with (Acoustic) Passive Protection Systems - where the Team requires support with a major new contract. This work involves the development and delivery of a protection system for UK Forces, building upon decades of experience with the previous build of HALO equipment. Reporting to the Head Of Engineering Projects, you will hold personal responsibility for the leadership of engineering development, from Requirements through to Acceptance.

Project Engineering Managers build strong relationships with Engineering Functional Leads and/or external partners to ensure the resourcing plans within the IPT they lead are realistic and any issues arising are resolved swiftly. The ability to manage a dynamic engineering team involving both internal and external partners, delivering to an aggressive timescale. Working closely with the Project Manager, they are responsible for delivery of the overall engineering output against time, cost and performance budgets.

The skills to generate clear and relevant engineering plans, establishing key milestones and identifying risks, opportunities and interdependencies. Reviewing the current engineering positions on projects and adapting plans as required to mitigate risks to either cost, schedule or performance budgets. You will hold significant previous experience of leading multi-discipline engineering teams, including the development of software in an agile development environment.

Experience of working within the defence industry is highly desirable. This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

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.

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.