Senior/Lead Project Manager (Manufacturing Infrastructure Programme) in Edinburgh

Your Impact: We have an exciting opportunity to deliver a major upgrade of our manufacturing facility in Edinburgh and are seeking a Senior/Lead Project Manager to lead this high-value capital project from concept through to commissioning and handover. This is a high-impact, business-critical role at the heart of our operations, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a significant manufacturing transformation. You will act as the key interface between Operations and the wider business, leading a complex infrastructure programme aligned to long‑term strategic objectives. If you are passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement and leading high‑performing teams, we would love to hear from you.

As the Project Manager, you will take full ownership of a major manufacturing infrastructure programme, ensuring safe, on‑time, and on‑budget delivery while driving operational excellence. This programme includes the development and integration of advanced manufacturing capabilities, facilities, and production systems within a live operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end delivery of a major manufacturing infrastructure project, through the RIBA framework from concept design, detailed design, capital approval, project tender, construction and to handover.
• Manage the overall project schedule ensuring adherence and mitigating potential delays.
• Manage the capital budget and change control process ensuring budget adherence and robust change governance.
• Co‑ordination of facility design to meet future manufacturing needs.
• Lead and coordinate cross‑functional teams across Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations.
• Manage contractors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to ensure successful and aligned delivery.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide clear and consistent reporting to senior leadership on progress, performance, and financial status.
• Drive best practice in project delivery, governance, and operational integration.
• Lead effective stakeholder engagement across the full programme lifecycle.

What you'll bring

• Proven experience operating at Senior/Lead Project Manager level within manufacturing, industrial engineering, or manufacturing construction environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering large‑scale capital or infrastructure programmes in complex, live operational settings.
• Strong understanding of project lifecycle management, governance, and capital approval processes.
• Experience managing multi‑million‑pound programmes.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders across the business.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in advanced manufacturing environments (e.g., microelectronics, SMT, or similar high‑precision production environments).
• Knowledge of clean room standards and processes (ISO 14644).
• Familiarity with specialised manufacturing processes (e.g., automated assembly, bonding, encapsulation technologies).
• Degree or HND in Operations Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Professional certification (e.g., APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2, or equivalent).

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.

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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

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.
• 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 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. Be part of something bigger - apply now!