Configuration Project Manager (Widebody)
Configuration Project Manager (Widebody)

Configuration Project Manager (Widebody)

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage configuration changes for the A350 and A330/340 programmes.
  • Company: Join Airbus through Guidant Global, a leader in aerospace recruitment.
  • 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 aerospace by managing complex engineering changes.
  • Qualifications: Experience in configuration management and strong project management skills required.

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

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

Contract: Contract (Inside IR35)

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

Rate: ÂŁ29.89 per hour PAYE / ÂŁ40.00 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) 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 a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge projects while enjoying flexible working arrangements and dedicated support for your professional growth. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages continuous development in a meaningful and rewarding environment.
    Guidant Global

    Contact Detail:

    Guidant Global Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

    ✨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 influence and negotiate with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your responses.

    ✨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)

    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
    Proactive Approach
    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, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!

    Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've successfully influenced teams or resolved conflicts.

    Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on your background in aerospace or complex engineering environments. We’re looking for candidates who can manage change effectively, so be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that showcase your capability in this area.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get the best support from our team throughout your journey with us!

    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 that demonstrate your understanding of these concepts, especially in aerospace or complex engineering environments.

    ✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

    Prepare to highlight your project and programme management capabilities. If you have any PM certifications like PMI, mention them! Think of scenarios where you've successfully led multi-functional teams and how you managed to keep everything on track, on time, and within budget.

    ✨Communicate Effectively

    Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders across different business areas and resolved conflicts in the past.

    ✨Be Proactive and Collaborative

    Demonstrate your proactive approach and team ethic during the interview. Share examples of how you've contributed to process improvements or collaborated with others to achieve common goals. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a team environment.

    Configuration Project Manager (Widebody)
    Guidant Global

    Land your dream job quicker with Premium

    You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
    Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
    Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
    1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
    Go Premium

    Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

    >