Lead Project Manager in Edinburgh

At Leonardo, we solve real‑world engineering challenges, designing and developing mission‑critical solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced defence and security systems. Your work will contribute to the joint international development of the next generation Distributed Electro‑Optical System for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). GCAP will deliver a next generation fighter aircraft for the UK, Italy and Japan.

We are recruiting for a Lead Project Manager to lead the joint international development EOIR team, with the programme entering its First International Contract phase in 2026. The role will report to the GCAP DEOS Programme Manager and support the Project Engineering Management Team with delivering the projects objectives. You will play a major role in defining and leading the Project Management activities to be delivered by a tri‑national joint Project Management team, primarily based in Edinburgh. This will include the establishment of a tri‑national Project Management and Engineering team along with the supporting functions. This team will consist of members from each of our international partners.

The Lead Project Manager will be fully engaged and lead a multi‑disciplinary tri‑national integrated project team; tasks will include but not be limited to:

• You will report directly to the GCAP DEOS Programme Manager on First International Contract objectives.
• You will champion effective communications, proactively encouraging project delivery across the functional business areas to achieve cost, quality and schedule within budget.
• You will conduct project reviews and make recommendations to appropriate business areas.
• You will identify and manage risks to the project, including the development of mitigation plans.
• Lead on the development of relationships with our Customer(s) and International partners.
• Drive continuous improvement and promote best practice across all project activities.
• Support bid estimates for future proposals.
• Lead early lifecycle product concepting.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for a candidate who has both a sound technical background and prior experience in a Senior Project Management leadership position. The role will require a skilled leader who can engage both internally and externally with international partners. Some national and international travel is required but can be discussed and worked around your availability.

Key Skills You’ll Use & Develop:

• Strong stakeholder management within a major international defence project.
• Strong ability and practical experience of working across different stages of the Product lifecycle including early lifecycle development.
• Ensure effective implementation of the company’s Lifecycle Management process.
• Work closely with the Project and Engineering Management team to make and facilitate robust decision making within the project.
• Very strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including international partners.
• Lead and motivate a multi‑disciplinary international engineering team.
• Ensure the IPT is supported to deliver against their commitments.

What Else Would Help:

• Experience of working in a significant international defence project.
• Experience within a consortium environment and engagement with international partners at a working level.
• The ability to keep track and manage a diverse set of activities with many interactions and dependencies.

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

Why join us:

• 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.

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.

Primary Location: GB – Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite