Graduate Manufacturing Project Leader

Job Description Your impact

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?

At Leonardo, we're looking for graduates who want to be part of something bigger-shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for professional development.

Our 12 month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside subject matter experts.

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus.

You'll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Operations function at Leonardo Edinburgh for a Graduate Manufacturing Project Leader to join the team. In the role, you will assist with coordinating and managing the planning of all manufacturing activities and resources to deliver products to schedule, quality and cost.

The role on offer can cover various stages of the Product Lifecycle ranging from Development, New Product Introduction, Full Rate Series Production, all the way through to Product Support, including Spares and Repairs.

We are a continually expanding company, offering exciting opportunities to talented individuals who want to work at the forefront of technology. With Leonardo, you can look forward to a career working alongside highly skilled professionals who are passionate about their work.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Manage and plan manufacturing activities and resources required to successfully deliver and support product(s)
• Manage the agreed manufacturing budgets and risk provisions through all phases of the project
• Achieve any deliveries to schedule, quality and cost
• Lead the manufacturing input to bid activities for new business opportunities
• Be involved in the manufacturing input to Life Cycle Management process
• Assist with the Manufacturing Maturity Review process and management of subsequent actions
• Implement and maintain optimised manufacturing and test principles
• Provide leadership as necessary to enhance overall process effectiveness
• Lead continuous improvement in support of business objectives
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations

What we need from you

All of our roles require (a) a minimum of a 2:2 Bachelors/Integrated Master's degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as a MSc or PhD.

For the Graduate Manufacturing Programme Manager role, the acceptable degrees are:

• Manufacturing
• Technology
• Business
• Aerospace Engineering

Highly Desirable

• Highly effective interpersonal skills; excellent communicator, strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Stakeholder management including influencing and negotiation skills
• High level of drive and commitment - results driven
• Leadership and performance management including coaching and mentoring
• Numerate and analytical skills
• Relevant company systems and process knowledge including SAP/MRP/MII/PDM/LCM would be advantageous
• Understanding of company cost systems & performance measures
• Project and risk management
• Product / drawing set configuration and control
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques
• Good all-round computer literacy, including all Microsoft Office applications
• Awareness of Safety, Health and Environment legislation, company requirements and procedures

Security Clearance

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

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

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 are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit

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, communities 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 - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid