Lead Project Manager in Luton

We have an exciting opportunity at our Capability Green Luton site within the Combat Air Programmes Business Area for a Production Project Manager to manage new Production contracts for Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS). The role is required to manage the Praetorian Stage 3 Production contracts. This is a pivotal role, working alongside the current Project Management team and European Workshare Partners, becoming the main focal point between the Development Team, Procurement and Operations leads to ensure a timely placement of material and the transfer of design from engineering to manufacturing to deliver the production contracts.

The role is hybrid working with 3‑4 days on site with the team and requires ability for regular travel within Europe and the UK.

• Project Management (Multi Million Production projects)
• Point of Contact and Management of the relationships with multiple stakeholders BAE Systems, Workshare Partners, cross IPT management team (Development & Test equipment) and Internal functional departments.
• Management of Project procurement activities in line with the business area strategy.
• Review of Production estimates and agree budgets – in conjunction with relevant functions.
• Work across the Combat Air Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and Functional Leads to manage project dependencies for production.
• Present Management Reports internally and to the Purchaser at monthly reviews.
• Review production plans with the Operations Lead and ensure that sufficient contingency is applied through risk management.
• Ownership of the Project budget, monitoring the expenditures and costs throughout the financial year.

What You’ll Bring

• Manufacturing biased Project Management with ideally 5 years manufacturing management experience.
• Knowledge of working with European partners / suppliers is desired but training can be provided for the right candidate.
• Excellent understanding of financial controls and Project Financial management.
• Experience of managing the introduction of new Product or updated designs into manufacturing across multiple parts in production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑disciplined teams (including Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Planning, Manufacturing and Operations) but also ability to organise and prioritise workload and to work autonomously.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate with both customers and suppliers.
• Ability to prioritise a large quantity of tasks and to assign these effectively and work to a deadline.
• Strong Customer and Stakeholder relationship skills.
• Strong skills in being able to collaborate with a wide group of internal and external stakeholders / functions including Workshare Partners in Italy, Germany and Spain.
• A pro‑active person with a "can do" attitude, striving for continuous improvement, effectiveness and efficiency and with a focus on achieving high performance against objectives.
• Degree or relevant qualification / experience.
• APM PMQ qualified or equivalent is highly desirable.

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 (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.

Primary Location: GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid