At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex aerospace R&D programmes, ensuring delivery on time, cost, and quality.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while working with cutting-edge technology and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Project Management; experience in aerospace R&D preferred.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
The Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury provides bespoke aerospace composite products for applications including fluid transfer, structural and transmission. We have a great opportunity for a Project Manager based at our Banbury facility where you will be accountable for robust and accurate Project Management deliverables associated with Time/Cost/Quality/Performance objectives of the projects you will manage.
Your Role:
- Lead the planning and delivery of complex aerospace Research & Development (R&D) programmes from concept through technology maturation, ensuring delivery of agreed technical, cost, schedule and quality objectives.
- Develop and maintain integrated programme plans, work breakdown structures and resource plans using Agile project management principles, enabling effective prioritisation, execution and delivery across multiple concurrent workstreams.
- Facilitate Agile planning activities including sprint planning, backlog prioritisation, daily stand-ups and programme reviews, adapting delivery plans to evolving technical challenges and business priorities.
- Own programme governance, providing regular reporting to senior leadership, steering committees, customers and funding bodies on programme status, risks, financial performance and milestone achievement.
- Lead programme risk, opportunity and change management, ensuring technical, commercial and schedule risks are proactively identified, mitigated and communicated.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary Integrated Project Teams comprising Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance and external partners to deliver innovative aerospace technologies.
- Support Business Development and Bid & Proposal (B&P) activities by developing project execution strategies, programme plans, cost estimates, resource profiles and risk assessments for future opportunities.
- Work closely with the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Innovate UK (IUK) throughout the lifecycle of government-funded collaborative R&D programmes, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, reporting obligations and milestone delivery.
- Support the preparation and successful delivery of collaborative R&D funding applications, helping secure government investment for strategic technology development programmes.
You will bring to the role:
- Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Project Management or a related technical discipline.
- Proven experience delivering Research & Development (R&D) or New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes within aerospace, defence or other highly regulated industries.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams through uncertain and evolving technology development programmes.
- Strong understanding of Agile programme delivery, project planning and execution.
- Demonstrable experience in risk management, opportunity management and change control.
- Experience supporting Bid & Proposal (B&P) activities, business cases or funding applications.
- Knowledge of collaborative government-funded R&D programmes (e.g. Innovate UK, ATI, Horizon Europe) would be highly desirable.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging customers, senior executives and external funding organisations.
Project Manager employer: Safran Actuation Systems
Safran is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee development, Safran offers numerous growth opportunities and benefits, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful careers in a globally recognised company. Located in a vibrant industry hub, employees enjoy a collaborative environment that values diversity and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran Actuation Systems for a Project Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran Actuation Systems, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran Actuation Systems, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Actuation Systems
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran Actuation Systems.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran Actuation Systems. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran Actuation Systems love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
