Lead Project Manager

hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

At Leonardo, we solve real‑world engineering challenges, designing and developing mission‑critical solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced defence and security systems.

Your work will contribute to the joint international development of the next generation Distributed Electro‑Optical System for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). GCAP will deliver a next generation fighter aircraft for the UK, Italy and Japan.

We are recruiting for a Lead Project Manager to lead the joint international development EOIR team, with the programme entering its First International Contract phase in 2026. The role will report to the GCAP DEOS Programme Manager and support the Project Engineering Management Team with delivering the projects objectives.

You will play a major role in defining and leading the Project Management activities to be delivered by a tri‑national joint Project Management team, primarily based in Edinburgh. This will include the establishment of a tri‑national Project Management and Engineering team along with the supporting functions. This team will consist of members from each of our international partners.

The Lead Project Manager will be fully engaged and lead a multi‑disciplinary tri‑national integrated project team; tasks will include but not be limited to:

• You will report directly to the GCAP DEOS Programme Manager on First International Contract objectives.
• You will champion effective communications, proactively encouraging project delivery across the functional business areas to achieve cost, quality and schedule within budget.
• You will conduct project reviews and make recommendations to appropriate business areas.
• You will identify and manage risks to the project, including the development of mitigation plans.
• Lead on the development of relationships with our Customer(s) and International partners.
• Drive continuous improvement and promote best practice across all project activities.
• Support bid estimates for future proposals.
• Lead early lifecycle product concepting.

We are looking for a candidate who has both a sound technical background and prior experience in a Senior Project Management leadership position. The role will require a skilled leader who can engage both internally and externally with international partners. Some national and international travel is required but can be discussed and worked around your availability.

• Strong stakeholder management within a major international defence project
• Strong ability and practical experience of working across different stages of the Product lifecycle including early lifecycle development.
• Ensure effective implementation of the company’s Lifecycle Management process.
• Work closely with the Project and Engineering Management team to make and facilitate robust decision making within the project
• Very strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including international partners.
• Lead and motivate a multi‑disciplinary international engineering team.
• Ensure the IPT is supported to deliver against their commitments.

• Experience of working in a significant international defence project
• Experience with in a consortium environment and engagement with international partners at a working level
• The ability to keep track and manage a diverse set of activities with many interactions and dependencies.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

• 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…