Lead Project Manager

Salary

£70,000 to £80,000. 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.

Senior Lead Project Manager for the A400M Integrated Defensive Aids System (IDAS). The role involves delivering advanced defensive systems to one of Europe’s most advanced air mobility platforms.

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.

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.

• 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, focusing 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.

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 role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, including eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

• Time to Recharge – 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.
• 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 Linked In 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.

GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300

Permanent

Hybrid

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.