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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver top-notch product support and repairs for global customers.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security with over 53,000 employees worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values creativity, diversity, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading engineering projects and managing complex global initiatives is preferred.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and opportunities for international travel.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Your Impact
We have an opportunity for a Lead Project Manager on a large AESA Radar Development contract for a European customer.
Based on site in Edinburgh you will be part of a large and complex Radar programme in Airborne AESA Radar Sector.
As such, you will liaise closely with a large, well established Integrated Project Team (IPT) comprised of a multi-site cross-functional skillset of engineers and other professionals from across the business.
The work is a development role, focused on enhancing our Radar product by delivering iterative performance improvements through successful software and firmware development upgrades using agile methodology to deliver the agreed customer plan on schedule. Additionally looking at longer term, more significant changes to hardware and software to upgrade product performance are envisaged, keeping our product at the cutting edge of capability for years to come.
What you’ll bring
- You will report directly to the Programme Manager on Development activities.
- You will lead the IPT in the successful delivery of a compliant project in line with the Customer, Contractual and Legislative requirements.
- You will ensure effective communications to proactively encourage project delivery across all functional business areas to achieve cost, quality and schedule within budget.
- You will proactively monitor project progress, resolve issues and initiating appropriate corrective action.
- You will identify and manage risks to the production project, including the development of contingency plans.
- You will engage and input into business winning activities, such as bidding and proposal preparation.
- You will conduct project reviews and make recommendations to appropriate business areas.
- You will be involved in daily interactions with key members of the IPT
- You will be on Edinburgh site c.3 days per week, with international travel of up to 1 trip per month.
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, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
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 (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.
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!
Primary Location: GB – Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
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Lead Project Manager employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and requirements of leading engineering projects, especially in the defence or manufacturing sectors. Understanding these nuances will help you engage more effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence industries. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Lead Project Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. Since you'll be dealing with global customers, being able to navigate language barriers and build rapport is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving abilities by preparing examples of how you've creatively addressed challenges in past projects. This will demonstrate your capacity to think outside the box, a key requirement for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly in engineering or defence sectors. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience with global projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects, and how you can bring value to their product support IPT.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to navigate technical or commercial challenges. Highlight instances where you’ve influenced stakeholders or found creative solutions to meet customer needs.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role involves working with global customers, emphasise your communication skills. Mention any experience you have in dealing with diverse teams or clients, especially those who may not speak English as their first language.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Project Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in complex projects. Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and how you foster collaboration.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the full product lifecycle, especially in engineering and manufacturing contexts. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to product strategy and long-term sustainment in previous roles, as this will be key to the position.
✨Prepare for Global Communication Challenges
Given the global nature of the role, think about how you can effectively communicate with customers who may not speak English fluently. Prepare to discuss your strategies for building relationships and ensuring clear communication across cultural barriers.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires a calming and decisive approach to overcome technical or commercial issues. Prepare to share specific instances where you've navigated challenges and found creative solutions, showcasing your ability to think outside the box.
