VP Electronics Engineering UK in Southampton

Shape the future of UK electronics engineering at one of the nation’s most advanced defence organisations. We have an opportunity for a Vice President of Electronics Engineering to join the Engineering UK leadership team. This is a fantastic opportunity to set the direction for Electronics engineering in Leonardo Electronics UK, and to champion the delivery of technology, people, skills, tools, infrastructure and process.

Our product portfolio includes Fire control and Surveillance Radars, Infrared Countermeasure and Targeting equipment, Electronic Warfare solutions, Defensive Aid systems and Communication solutions for a wide variety of Air, Land and Sea platforms. This role includes the opportunity to contribute to the development of the sensor suite for the UK’s next generation Tempest combat aircraft.

Reporting to the UK Engineering and Projects Director, you will lead a community of around 550 engineers covering the full spectrum of electronics, working in partnership with all UK Lines of Business and engineering disciplines to create an organisation and environment where high performing teams have the clarity and competence to thrive and achieve excellent results.

We are looking for someone who can influence and collaborate across a broad range of technical and management stakeholders, and has experience of delivering technology and process change programmes.

• To ensure the UK Lines of Business are supplied with an Electronics engineering capability with the skills and experience needed to support the delivery of their business commitments.
• Own the vision for Electronics Engineering UK, including delivery of technology roadmaps, to ensure that innovation and inclusivity is at the heart of the discipline.
• Contribute to the overall strategy for Engineering and the UK Business Unit, working with the other business functions.
• Play a key role in the identification and delivery of business transformation, including process, Future Factory (Digital Engineering), digitalisation and new business models.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring for Electronics Engineering.
• Govern re-use and provide guidance and influence to out-sourcing and make/buy decisions.
• Assure the quality of Electronics estimates and their coherence with other disciplines.
• Increase the focus on the realisation of produceable hardware e.g. DfX and a Product Based Approach.
• Implement and develop simple, accessible processes to deliver products with the right quality, on time.
• Define Electronics tool strategy, including the use of common toolsets across the UK.
• Be the external face of UK Electronics Engineering – liaising with, and influencing external companies, industry, government bodies, professional institutions and academia.

• Strong electronics engineering background and engineering/science based degree qualified.
• Extensive and relevant technical experience is essential, with a strong understanding of engineering principles.
• You will bring proven experience in executing change whilst demonstrating strong inclusive leadership.
• Evidence of critical thinking, complex problem solving and attention to detail.
• Have the ability to work in an evolving/ever-changing business environment.
• Be resourceful, innovative and persuasive, with a proven ability to enthuse, influence, empower, challenge and engage across all levels and areas of the business.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience of delivering to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity, social inclusion and sustainable development.
• As an inspirational leader you will have achieved excellent results from your team and the wider organisation.
• Flexibility and ability to deal with fluid boundaries to engage engineers to be multi skilled and to work across discipline boundaries.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

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.

• Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• 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.

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