Manufacturing Project Manager

Job Description:

Your Impact

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Project Manager to join our Operations team in Luton. These roles sit within a key Lines of Business: Surveillance and Protection Technologies or Combat Air.

This is a high-impact role at the heart of our manufacturing operations. You will lead a cross-functional Integrated Project Team (IPT), acting as the critical interface between Manufacturing and the wider business. Your focus will be to ensure robust planning, effective resource management, and successful delivery across the product portfolio. 

If you are passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement and leading high-performing teams, we would love to hear from you. 

What you will do as Manufacturing Project Manager: 

• Lead and coordinate a cross-functional Integrated Project Team to deliver manufacturing objectives 

• Manage manufacturing budgets and risk provisions across the full project lifecycle 

• Drive Manufacturing input into bid activities for new business opportunities 

• Manage resource and capacity plans to ensure successful product delivery and support 

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to reduce lead times, increase throughput and deliver cost efficiencies 

• Monitor and review production trends to ensure early warning systems are in place to de-risk potential delivery and quality issues 

• Regularly review expenditure on labour and material to ensure efficient and appropriate usage, aligned with sales forecasts and project performance reviews 

• Champion and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement 

• Optimise WIP and stock holdings to maximise cash flow while maintaining delivery of products in line with business requirements 

• Drive inventory optimisation in line with Lean Manufacturing principles, Line of Business requirements and site targets 

• Empower teams to find, analyse and robustly solve manufacturing and supply chain challenges 

• Work closely with the Integrated Project Teams and Commercial & Finance functions for optimal demand & supply management 

• Prepare and present business reports as required by IPT and/or business area 

• Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal functions and with external stakeholders 

What you'll bring: 

• Proven experience in project, operational and budget management within a manufacturing environment 

• Experience within the defence or aerospace sectors 

• Strong understanding of Life Cycle Management processes, including Manufacturing Maturity Reviews 

• Experience of delivering operational improvements in a manufacturing environment 

• Degree or HND in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience) 

• APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2 or equivalent qualification 

• Experience using ERP systems (SAP) and PLM systems (Teamcenter Unified) 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing supply and demand dynamics 

You’ll also demonstrate: 

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and empower teams 

• Sound knowledge and understanding of manufacturing theory and practice 

• Ability to delegate tasks effectively to the wider team 

• The ability to drive change and deliver results in complex environments 

• Customer focus with strong commercial awareness and financial acumen 
• Emotional intelligence and cultural awareness 

 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 

You must be eligible for full security clearance.  For more information and guidance please visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels 

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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity). 

• 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 part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role. 

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.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. 

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. 

Be part of something bigger - apply now! 

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Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite