Project Controls Manager

Job Description:

At Leonardo in Luton we are looking for an experienced Project Controls and People Leader to join our growing team and lead the professional application of Project Controls within the Combat Air Business Area. 

Your impact

Acting as the Project Controls Manager for the Typhoon Development Integrated Project Team (IPT), you will be responsible for the application and delivery of Project Controls practices to deliver both business area and functional objectives and through the leadership and development of the Sector's Project Controls team.

What you’ll do as a Project Controls Manager

• Be accountable for quality of Project Controls for a large, complex or high risk IPT through the application of consistent processes, methods, leadership and governance in line with professional Project Planning and Controls standards and methodologies.
• Provide strong functional governance and develop and implement strategic approaches and corresponding business solutions, commensurate with the overall business strategy.
• Ensure the IPT portfolio is delivered to optimal schedule quality.
• Ensure robust Project Controls metrics and measures are applied inclusive of portfolio level reporting and analysis for the IPT.
• Champion and ensure the application of robust Schedule Risk Analysis techniques within the IPT to ensure schedules for proposals and projects reflect an acceptable level of risk to the business.
• Manage cross portfolio dependencies and synergies in support of increased business performance through prioritisation and balance of resources across the business area.
• Drive and facilitate the Demand and Supply aspects of the Integrated Business Management cycle within the Business Area.
• Champion continuous improvement through identifying and delivering strategic business and functional improvement activities.
• Ensure independent assessments of schedule quality/risk are conducted as part of the Lifecycle Management (LCM) process and in accordance with LCM principles.

What we need from you:

• Comprehensive and demonstrable Project Controls / Planning experience with proven expertise in all aspects of planning, project controls and project management methodologies (inc AGILE) at all stages of the project lifecycle and across Portfolios of varying value / complexity.
• Experience in one or more Planning/ERP Tools (ideally including Primavera P6 and/or SAP).
• Experience in developing, motivating and leading a team to deliver successful outcomes and ability to lead others through change and periods of uncertainty.
• Proven collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making skills.
• Commercial and financial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Experienced in leading What if and Scenario analysis.
• Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams and recognise and positively interact with stakeholders to SVP / UK level.

It would be nice if you have the following:

• APMG Project Controls Practitioner Level Certification, meeting the knowledge and experience competency levels of the Project Manager (Master), Programme Manager (Advanced) or PMO Manager as defined by the APM Competency Framework.

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

This role will require National Security Vetting to SC level. It is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. A range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this will include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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.

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!

Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid