At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex engineering projects, ensuring performance, cost, quality, and schedule objectives are met.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company with a commitment to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy an early finish on Fridays, onsite canteen, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement in project management practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while collaborating with global teams across the UK, France, and US.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within regulated environments and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and technically credible Senior Project Manager. Working in direct support of, or under delegation from, the Project Chief Engineer (PCE), the Senior Project Manager has primary accountability for structuring and leading the delivery of assigned development programmes — ensuring performance, cost, quality, and schedule objectives are met in full alignment with Safran Group standards and the DEV process (including APQP).
The Senior Project Manager, together with the Programme Manager and the PCE acts as the principal project interface with the customer and key stakeholders. They lead cross-functional Integrated Programme Teams (IPTs) possibly spanning UK, France, and US sites, and are accountable for driving convergence of the technical-economic definition of the product against programme targets.
The role sits within a wider PCE Office structure overseen by the Head of PCE Office and is aligned to the ADVANCE Engineering Transformation Programme’s goals of improved delivery performance, NRC reduction, and engineering excellence.
Key Responsibilities- Project Delivery — Performance, Cost, Quality, Schedule & Risk Management
- Structure and lead the project (in direct or under PCE delegation), respecting objectives across performance, cost, quality, and schedule, and arbitrating or proposing arbitrations to the Steering Committee or PCE on budget, resources (people and equipment).
- Establish and drive the project development plan, ensuring the PCE or product engineer validates achievement of product performance objectives.
- Own accountability for development schedule adherence, from contract award to entry into service, across all sites.
- Own accountability for Non-Recurring Cost (NRC) and Recurring Cost (RC) targets allocated to the project, and for customer support costs during the development phase — considering manufacturability and maintainability constraints in line with programme objectives.
- Drive convergence of the technical-economic product definition against programme targets, deploying collaborative co-engineering actions across all stakeholders (engineering, industrialisation, procurement, etc.).
- Plan project activities and development reviews in line with programme and customer milestones.
- Analyse and instruct impact assessments (cost, schedule, risk) for any project evolution or change, in conjunction with responsible Work Package leaders.
- Lead identification, assessment, and management of technical risks and opportunities, considering return-of-experience.
- Ensure the project risk register is maintained, reviewed at appropriate cadence, and escalated where required.
- Manage change requests and change notices in the PLM system, ensuring compliance with Configuration Management standards.
- Assess the cost, schedule, and risk impact of all changes before approval, and present recommendations to the PCE, Programme Manager, Steering Committee.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Interface
- Serve as the primary project interface with the customer and all stakeholders (regulatory bodies, partners, suppliers) in the execution of the project, in line with the framework set by the Programme Manager, Steering Committee, PCE.
- Ensure consistent, accurate, and rigorous communication of project status to customers, programme directors, and cross-site IPT members.
- Represent the Voice of the Customer within the project team and maintain alignment between IPT members and customer commitments.
- Coordinate the multidisciplinary project development teams — including external suppliers and build-to-spec partners — across all project phases, including product design and improvement activities.
- Planning, Reporting & Governance
- Develop and maintain the project master schedule in the company tool, integrating inputs from UK, France, and US teams and aligning to Safran’s project management standards.
- Ensure regular reporting of development progress to the Programme Manager and the Steering Committee. Update the project dashboard at a minimum monthly, covering RC/NRC, milestone tracking, technical progress, deliverables, and KDDs (Key Decision Dates).
- Approve project documents in line with governance requirements.
- Pilot a PMO function where required to support project governance.
- Facilitate project reviews and Steering Committee meetings; manage action closure and milestone adherence.
- Ensure compliance with project management processes, development lifecycle process rules, design best practices, and test material conformance requirements.
- Resource & Capability Management
- Ensure the project is resourced appropriately — budget, skills, competencies, and equipment — commensurate with project objectives.
- Coordinate cross-site Work Package allocation with counterpart Project Managers in France and the US, supporting the shared delivery model of the PCE Office.
- Provide day-to-day coordination and guidance to Project Managers supporting the project and contribute to their professional development.
- Champion use of Safran digital tools and standard PM methodology across the project team.
- Continuous Improvement
- The Senior Project Manager plays an active role in the continuous improvement of project management practice. This includes contributing lessons learned from project delivery into the wider engineering community, supporting the improvement and consistent application of project management methods and tools, and actively participating in the Safran Project Management network and expert community.
- The Senior Project Manager is expected to champion best practice, share knowledge across sites, and support the professional development of the project management team.
- Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience leading complex engineering development programmes in an aerospace, defence, or similarly regulated environment.
- Strong track record of managing programme performance against cost (NRC/RC), schedule, and quality targets through the full development lifecycle.
- Experience acting as the primary customer interface and managing senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional, cross-site IPTs, including management of external suppliers and build-to-spec partners.
- Proficiency in formal project management methodologies — APM, PMI, or equivalent — with a working understanding of PLM framework or an equivalent stage-gate development process.
- Proficiency in risk and opportunity management, change control, and project governance frameworks.
- Degree-level qualification in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline (or equivalent demonstrable experience).
- Desirable Experience
- Direct experience within Safran Group or an equivalent large Tier 1 aerospace supplier.
- Knowledge of Planisware OSMOZ (Safran’s project management platform) or equivalent enterprise PM/ERP system.
- Familiarity with the company PLM system and engineering change management processes.
- Experience of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and aerospace quality standards (AS9100).
- Familiarity with MBSE, digital engineering tools, or Model-Based Digital Controller development.
- French language skills (working proficiency) — beneficial for cross-site coordination with the programme community.
- Experience with Agile project management methodology and its application in an engineering development context.
- Delivery Accountability: Gets things done with rigour. Takes ownership of NRC, schedule, and quality targets and drives delivery through the team.
- Technical Credibility: Understands engineering challenges well enough to challenge assumptions, assess risk impact, and earn the respect of PCEs and engineering leads.
- Stakeholder Leadership: Builds trust with customers, programme directors, and cross-site teams. Communicates clearly and consistently, tailoring to audience.
- Structured Thinking: Brings clarity to complex programmes. Uses process, data, and governance frameworks to create order and transparency.
- Collaborative: Thrives in a multi-site, multi-cultural environment. Works effectively across UK, France, and US, and fosters inclusive team relationships.
- Proactive Risk Management: Anticipates issues, escalates early, and always arrives with a recommended course of action alongside the problem.
- Integrity: Maintains accurate records, reports status honestly, and operates with transparency at all levels.
- Communication and Negotiation: Communicates clearly and adapts style to audience. Skilled at negotiating and influencing effectively at all levels, internally and externally.
- Early finish on a Friday - 0800-1645 Mon-Thurs, 0800-1200 Friday
- Onsite canteen
Senior Project Manager x2 6M Contract (Inside IR35) / Open to Perm after 6M in Pitstone employer: Safran Engineering Services UK Limited
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration across our UK, France, and US sites. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous improvement initiatives and professional development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. With benefits like an early finish on Fridays and an onsite canteen, we create a supportive environment where you can excel as a Senior Project Manager while contributing to cutting-edge aerospace projects.
Contact Details:
Safran Engineering Services UK Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager x2 6M Contract (Inside IR35) / Open to Perm after 6M in Pitstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent developments and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering behavioural questions. It’s a great way to structure your responses and highlight your experience in managing complex projects effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Senior Project Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager x2 6M Contract (Inside IR35) / Open to Perm after 6M in Pitstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience that aligns with the Senior Project Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve successfully led projects in the past. We want to see the impact you’ve made, so numbers and outcomes are your best friends here!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Engineering Services UK Limited
✨Know Your Project Management Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in project management methodologies like APM or PMI. Brush up on your understanding of PLM frameworks and APQP processes, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss your experience with managing complex engineering programmes will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, think of examples where you've successfully managed customer relationships or led cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges with stakeholders and how you ensured clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you identify, assess, and manage risks in your projects. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your proactive approach to risk management and how you’ve turned potential issues into opportunities. This will highlight your ability to maintain project integrity and performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires working across multiple sites and cultures, so be ready to share experiences that showcase your collaborative skills. Discuss how you’ve fostered inclusive team dynamics and how you’ve worked effectively with diverse teams, especially in a multi-site environment like the UK, France, and the US.
