Configuration Project Manager (Widebody) in Bristol
Configuration Project Manager (Widebody)

Configuration Project Manager (Widebody) in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 62000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Guidant Global

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage configuration changes for cutting-edge aerospace projects.
  • Company: Join Airbus through Guidant Global, a leader in aerospace innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and dedicated support for your career growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace industry with exciting projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in configuration management and strong project management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 62000 - 80000 £ per year.

Location: Filton (hybrid - approx. 60% onsite)

Contract: Contract (Inside IR35)

Hours: 35 hours per week | Flexible working between 7am-7pm

Rate: £29.89 per hour PAYE / £40.00 per hour Umbrella

About the role

Guidant Global is proud to be partnering with Airbus to recruit a Widebody Configuration Management Programme Manager to support the A350 and A330/340 programmes, including exciting derivatives such as BelugaXL and MRTT/MRTT+. This is a pivotal role within the UK Widebody Configuration Management (CM) team, where you will take ownership of Wing-related engineering changes from initial request through to full aircraft embodiment and modification closure. You'll act as the Project Change Leader (PCL), bringing together multi-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and programme functions to deliver complex change safely, on time and within cost.

What you'll be doing

As the Programme Manager, you will lead and manage a portfolio of configuration changes across the Wing perimeter, ensuring successful delivery throughout the full change lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:

  • Acting as Project Change Leader (PCL) for Wing-related changes across production and/or in-service aircraft
  • Leading and coordinating multi-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Configuration and wider stakeholders)
  • Driving change requests through the Full Change Process, developing robust change dossiers covering:
  • Technical and manufacturing impacts
  • Supply chain implications
  • Cost, budget coverage and scheduling
  • Point of embodiment
  • Risks and opportunities
  • Leading cross-functional alignment, negotiation and arbitration to resolve issues and maintain momentum
  • Ensuring approved changes are implemented in line with Decision Board mandates, meeting cost, quality and schedule commitments
  • Managing a portfolio of changes up to medium complexity (e.g. multi-ATA, multi-supplier/site, budgets exceeding €300k)
  • Proactively managing workload, priorities and inflow in collaboration with key stakeholders
  • Identifying, managing and reporting risks and opportunities via ARM (Aircraft Risk Management)
  • Representing Central Programmes on the Alternative Material Concession Crisis (AMCC) Board, supporting obsolescence and material shortage management
  • Contributing to process improvement initiatives alongside the Central Programme team and CM Centre of Excellence
  • Supporting team collaboration, knowledge sharing, lessons learned and continuous improvement
  • About the team

    You'll join a highly experienced UK Widebody Configuration Management team, supporting the Wing, Landing Gear and Fuel perimeters. The immediate team consists of 7 FTE, backed by subcontracted support, and forms part of a wider UK CM community of 19 FTE. The team also manages airline customisation modifications, including weight variants, wheels and brakes, and fuel system configurations.

    What we're looking for

    We're keen to hear from candidates with strong configuration, change or programme management experience within aerospace or complex engineering environments. Essential experience and skills include:

    • Proven experience in Configuration Management and Engineering Change environments
    • Strong project and programme management capability (PM certification such as PMI is desirable)
    • Knowledge of the end-to-end configuration and change management process (CM certification advantageous)
    • Background in airframe engineering or equivalent complex product environments
    • Confident stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across multiple business areas
    • Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills
    • A proactive, collaborative approach with a strong team ethic
    • Fluent English (written and verbal)

    Experience is valued over formal qualifications, although an engineering degree or equivalent background is beneficial.

    Security & working pattern

    Security clearance: BPSS+ (completed by Airbus Security)

    Working pattern: 35 hours per week, flexible across 4.5 days

    Travel: Occasional

    Why join via Guidant Global?

    At Guidant Global, we believe in connecting great people to meaningful work. You'll benefit from:

    • Access to industry-leading aerospace programmes
    • Transparent pay, flexible working arrangements and a collaborative delivery model
    • Dedicated support from a specialist recruitment partner who understands your skills and career goals
    • Opportunities to develop your expertise in complex change, configuration leadership and programme delivery

    Apply now

    If you're a Configuration or Programme professional looking to make an impact within a world-class aerospace environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and a member of the Guidant Global team will be in touch.

    Configuration Project Manager (Widebody) in Bristol employer: Guidant Global

    At Guidant Global, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the aerospace sector. Our Filton location provides flexible working arrangements, competitive pay rates, and access to industry-leading programmes, ensuring that our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With dedicated support for career development and a strong emphasis on teamwork, we empower our staff to make meaningful contributions to complex projects while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
    Guidant Global

    Contact Detail:

    Guidant Global Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Configuration Project Manager (Widebody) in Bristol

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace industry, especially those who work at Airbus or similar companies. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with the A350 and A330/340 programmes, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your communication skills! As a Configuration Project Manager, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch. Confidence is key, so make sure you can articulate your experience and how it fits the role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of our resources and guidance to land that dream job!

    We think you need these skills to ace Configuration Project Manager (Widebody) in Bristol

    Configuration Management
    Engineering Change Management
    Project Management
    Stakeholder Management
    Communication Skills
    Negotiation Skills
    Presentation Skills
    Risk Management
    Process Improvement
    Team Collaboration
    Aerospace Engineering Knowledge
    Change Management Process Knowledge
    Budget Management
    Multi-Functional Team Leadership

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in configuration management and project leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Widebody Configuration Project Manager, so don’t hold back!

    Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex changes and lead multi-functional teams. We love seeing quantifiable results, so include metrics where possible!

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the aerospace industry. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global

    ✨Know Your Configuration Management Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of configuration management and engineering change processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex changes, especially in aerospace or similar environments.

    ✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

    Prepare to demonstrate your ability to influence and negotiate with various stakeholders. Think of scenarios where you've had to align different teams or resolve conflicts, and be ready to share how you maintained momentum in those situations.

    ✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions

    Since this role involves leading multi-functional teams, expect technical questions related to wing-related changes and the full change lifecycle. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you would approach specific challenges in this area.

    ✨Highlight Your Proactive Approach

    The interviewers will be looking for candidates who can manage workload and priorities effectively. Prepare examples that showcase your proactive mindset, particularly in identifying risks and opportunities, and how you've contributed to process improvements in previous roles.

    Configuration Project Manager (Widebody) in Bristol
    Guidant Global
    Location: Bristol

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