Head of Engineering Capability (Process, Tools & Governance) in Luton

Your Impact

As Head of Engineering Capability (Process, Tools & Governance), you'll play a key role in shaping the future of engineering across the organisation. Spearheading the advancement of engineering processes, tools, data and governance, you'll help create a connected, high-performing engineering environment that enables teams to deliver with greater efficiency, consistency and confidence. Working within our Electronics function across multiple Lines of Business, you'll drive engineering transformation by bringing together process owners, engineering leaders, tool specialists and governance teams to build a modern, data-driven engineering capability framework. Your direction will strengthen engineering performance, improve collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to influence engineering strategy, champion digital transformation, and raise the standard of engineering excellence across our entire UK Electronics business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engineering Excellence and Process Leadership
  • Chair the Engineering Process Council and lead on the development of engineering processes and standards.
  • Simplify and modernise engineering ways of working to improve efficiency, compliance and delivery outcomes.
  • Embed systems engineering, lifecycle management and design integrity principles across the engineering framework.
  • Support engineering audits and ensure compliance with regulatory, customer and business requirements.
  • Monitor process effectiveness and KPI performance, reporting insights to engineering leadership and governance forums.
• Data-Driven Governance and Performance
  • Develop and implement a data-driven governance framework for engineering capability and performance.
  • Create dashboards, analytics and reporting to provide actionable insights and support decision-making.
  • Lead governance forums focused on process compliance, engineering quality and continuous improvement.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance engineering performance through data and measurable outcomes.
• Digital Engineering and Tool Integration
  • Drive the development of an integrated engineering ecosystem connecting processes, tools and data.
  • Partner with Digital Engineering, IT and data teams to improve automation, traceability and real-time visibility.
  • Ensure engineering tools support process objectives and are adopted consistently across the business.
  • Contribute to engineering tool strategy and cross-functional digital transformation initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement and Change Leadership
  • Lead the adoption of new tools, processes and governance practices across engineering teams.
  • Build capability through coaching, training and stakeholder engagement.
  • Partner with engineering leaders to identify and deliver improvement opportunities.
  • Champion a culture of standardisation, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
  • Act as the key interface between Design Integrity, Engineering, Quality, Digital Engineering and Programme teams.
  • Align improvement initiatives with business priorities and strategic objectives.
  • Build good relationships with senior leaders, SMEs and process owners to drive lasting change.
  • Communicate and embed engineering improvements across the organisation, ensuring consistent adoption and engagement.

What you’ll bring

We're looking for a leader with experience in engineering management, digital engineering tools, product lifecycle management (PLM), process improvement and organisational change. Excellent technical background with experience in engineering transformation and modern practices. Skilled in monitoring and analysing KPIs to measure productivity and drive improvements using data-driven insights. Experience integrating engineering tools, digital workflows, and data systems. Familiar with Lean, Six Sigma and other methodologies and techniques associated with improvements, waste reduction and process optimisation. Experience of project management, engineering management and lifecycle processes such as waterfall, Agile and hybrid applications, inc. tailoring and scaling. Minimum of 10 years in engineering management, focusing on governance and process improvement. Experience of resourcing, loading and forward load calculations and analysis. Understand IBP and ODP process and inputs. Proven experience in process improvement, governance, and leadership roles. Ability to lead productive meetings and discussions.

Education and Qualifications:

Degree level education or equivalent experience. Related professional qualifications are beneficial.

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).

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.
• 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 a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

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 - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations: GB - Basildon, GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Lincoln, GB - London, GB - Luton - Cap. Green L350, GB - Southampton

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid