Lead Project Manager

Lead Project Manager – A400M Integrated Defensive Aids System (IDAS)

Salary: £70,000 to £80,000

Location: Luton, UK

Lead Project Manager responsible for delivering the A400M Integrated Defensive Aids System (IDAS) onboard the A400M fleet. Work in a cross‑functional team to drive schedule, risk, and milestone management, acting as the primary liaison with the customer and championing project management best practices.

• Provide project management support to the IDAS Programme Manager and lead the Integrated Project Team (IPT).
• Ensure cross‑functional alignment across engineering, business functions, and customer stakeholders.
• Drive performance 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.

• 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.
• A proactive attitude, strong leadership qualities and a desire to learn.

Security Clearance: The role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and may require National Security Vetting (NSV) including Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

• Generous leave and up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Company‑funded pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led networks.
• Eligibility for management‑level bonus scheme.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Referral programme rewards.
• Flexible benefits package with up to £500 annually on private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts and gym memberships.
• Flexible working with hybrid options; part‑time opportunities may be discussed.

• Contract Type:
  Permanent
• Hybrid Working:
  Hybrid (International, multicultural, innovative, technological environment)