Lead Project Manager

Job Description

Job Advert

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.

Do you want to play a vital role in delivering advanced defensive systems to one of Europe’s most advanced air mobility platforms? As a Lead Project Manager for the A400M Integrated Defensive Aids System (IDAS), you will be instrumental in the delivery of critical defensive capability for the A400M fleet.

Based in Luton, you will work at the heart of a dynamic, cross‑functional environment — driving performance and delivering an upgraded IDAS solution into service, ensuring the operational effectiveness of the war fighter.

• Provide Project Management support to the IDAS Programme Manager and help lead the cross‑functional IDAS Integrated Project Team (IPT), ensuring alignment across engineering, business functions, and customer stakeholders.
• Drive performance across the A400M IPT, with a focus on schedule adherence, risk management, and milestone delivery.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the customer coordinating timely and effective responses.
• Champion best‑in‑class project management practices, including robust financial control, risk management, governance and performance reporting.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction.

To succeed in this role, you will bring strong leadership capability, a collaborative mindset, and a proven ability to deliver within complex defence programmes.

• Demonstrated experience in project management within complex engineering, aerospace, or defence environments.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams and coordinate across multiple stakeholders and organisations.
• Strong planning and execution skills, underpinned by data‑driven decision‑making and performance management.
• Experience managing customer relationships and delivering against contractual and operational commitments.
• Knowledge of Defensive Aids Systems, A400M platform, or airborne survivability systems is advantageous but not essential.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome applications even if you don’t meet every requirement. A proactive attitude, strong leadership qualities, and a desire to learn are key to success in this role.

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:

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
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  All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning
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  Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks
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  Spend up to £500 annually on…