Delivery Manager - Vendor Management

Job Description:

Leonardo is a global industrial group, among the main global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security that realises multi-domain technological capabilities in Helicopters, Aircraft, Aerostructures, Electronics, Cyber Security and Space. With over 60,000 employees worldwide, the company has a solid industrial presence in Italy, the UK, Poland and the US. It also operates in 150 countries through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investments. A key player in major international strategic programmes, it is a technological and industrial partner of governments, defence administrations, institutions and companies.

Within the GCAP Joint Venture, in the GCAP Technical Leadership UO, we are looking for a Delivery Manager – Vendor Management for GCAP HQ in Reading (UK).

The Product Delivery Manager – Vendor Management is accountable for the successful delivery of vendor-provided products and services that enable digital engineering capabilities. The role ensures that all vendor deliverables meet contractual obligations, agreed roadmaps, schedules, and quality standards, driving performance and compliance throughout the delivery lifecycle.

This position focuses on end-to-end delivery execution, including contract governance, SLA monitoring, and vendor performance management through structured rating and reporting mechanisms. The Manager is responsible for cost optimization and ensuring value for money, while maintaining alignment with programme objectives and enterprise standards.

The role also supports toolset selection and technology evaluations in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring vendor solutions integrate seamlessly into the overall architecture. By enforcing vendor management guidelines and maintaining strong relationships, the Delivery Manager ensures timely, compliant, and high-quality delivery from external partners, mitigating risks and enabling operational excellence across the supply chain.

Key Capability Accountabilities and Objectives

Objectives

Product Delivery & Vendor Lifecycle Management
• Accountable for the delivery and continuous improvement of vendor-provided products and services within the agreed scope and timelines
• Ensure vendors meet contractual obligations, roadmaps, schedules, and quality standards throughout the delivery lifecycle
• Drive cost optimization and value for money while maintaining compliance with enterprise standards and programme objectives
• Support toolset selection and technology evaluations in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration into the architecture
• Manage upgrades, enhancements, and decommissioning activities across vendor-delivered solutions
• Monitor and enforce adherence to vendor management guidelines and delivery governance

Stakeholder & Business Engagement
• Act as the primary interface between vendors and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of delivery expectations, risks, and progress
• Capture, challenge, and consolidate vendor-related requirements to avoid duplication and fragmentation
• Support business change initiatives related to vendor-delivered solutions, including defining and producing training and informational materials
• Collaborate with other Delivery Managers and Product Owners to ensure alignment of vendor activities with programme priorities

Governance, Standards & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with enterprise vendor management standards, contractual terms, and regulatory requirements
• Liase with company’s procurement for effective vendor engagement and management
• Define and enforce vendor performance metrics, SLA adherence, and structured Vendor Rating mechanisms
• Support audit and quality assurance activities related to vendor-delivered products and services
• Maintain transparency and traceability of vendor commitments and delivery status

Delivery Execution & Operational Excellence
• Coordinate delivery activities across vendors and internal teams, ensuring clear ownership and accountability
• Monitor vendor performance, risks, dependencies, and escalate issues proactively to maintain delivery integrity
• Drive resolution of delivery-related incidents and implement continuous improvement measures
• Balance short-term delivery pressures with long-term vendor strategy and cost optimization objectives

Vendor & Technology Management
• Manage relationships with key vendors and system integrators to ensure effective collaboration and delivery performance
• Support contract management, licence optimization, and vendor performance reviews
• Contribute to technology evaluations, proofs of concept, and strategic tool selection
• Support contract negotiation with Vendors, with particular focus on framework agreements for strategic Vendors
• Drive innovation and adoption of best practices in vendor management

Essential Qualifications:

• Previous experience (at least 5 years) in vendor management or delivery management within complex, regulated environments (e.g., aerospace, defence, or large-scale engineering programmes)
• Degree in engineering, business management and negotiation, supply chain, or a related technical discipline
• Proven experience in contract management, SLA enforcement, and vendor performance monitoring
• Strong understanding of vendor governance frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk management practices
• Demonstrable experience managing multiple vendors and system integrators across complex delivery landscapes
• Knowledge of cost optimization strategies and ability to ensure value for money in vendor engagements
• Experience supporting toolset selection and technology evaluations in collaboration with stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities while maintaining delivery focus
• Strong delivery mindset with experience in waterfall, agile, or hybrid delivery models
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills

Engagement, recognition of talent, and care for our people’s well-being and safety are the cornerstones of our corporate culture.

Every day, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and stimulating work environment, actively promoting the principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity.

What do we offer?

·         The applicable collective labour agreement is the Italian National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL) for the Private Metalworking Industry and Plant Installation Sector;

·         Hybrid working model;

·         Employment status: Executive-level employee;

·         Permanent contract with Italy as the base location;

·         The role includes a secondment of at least two years to Reading, the headquarters of the Joint Venture (JV);

·         13th-month salary;

·         Performance bonus linked to business results;

·         Annual welfare benefits worth €250;

·         Ongoing training and professional development opportunities, covering both technical and soft skills;

·         Well-being initiatives: we place great importance on the economic, physical, social, and psychological well-being of our people, offering solutions tailored to their needs.

The Company reserves the right to determine the employment grade and compensation package based on objective criteria identified during the selection process, taking into account the selected candidate’s seniority, experience, and the requirements of the role, in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities established by applicable laws and regulations.

How does the selection process work?

Following the application review process, the CVs that best match the required qualifications will be shortlisted.

Selected candidates will first take part in an introductory interview with the Human Resources team to assess motivation and soft skills, followed by a technical interview with the hiring team.

At the end of the selection process, all candidates will receive feedback, regardless of the outcome.

Seniority:

Senior

Primary Location:

IT - Roma - Via Laurentina

Additional Locations:

IT - Catania, IT - Chieti Scalo, IT - Genova - Fiumara, IT - Milano - Nerviano, IT - Torino - C.so Marche

Contract Type:

Permanent

Total Base Pay Range:

60-75k

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid