Project Controls Manager

Job Description

Are you interested in being an integral part of high performing teams delivering advanced technical capabilities and services? We are looking for a skilled, enthusiastic and motivated individual experienced in Project Planning at the portfolio level to join our growing Project Controls team.

Your Impact

This role is supporting the Future Combat Air (FCA) Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) the development and delivery of the a 6th Generation Aircraft Programme in association with UK and International industry partners. The role will report directly to the FCA GCAP Programme Controls Manager & the successful candidate will act as their delegate across the LoB as required. The GCAP Project Controls Manager will support the Programme Controls Manager in shaping & delivering a best practice project controls framework, operating in a tri-national consortium with partners from Italy & Japan. The Project Controls Manager will lead a team of Project controls professionals and be a focal point for the GCAP IPT to ensure that the needs of the project are met whilst maintaining high standards of project controls, working collaboratively as part of a UK and international team. Travel within the UK and internationally will be required to deliver this role. This is a rare opportunity to support a once in a generation programme that delivers cutting edge advancements in defence technology.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the quality of Project Controls for the GCAP Programme through the application of consistent processes, methods, leadership and governance in line with professional Project Planning and Controls standards and methodologies
• Provide leadership and governance in business winning and programme delivery or in a field of expertise and specialism
• Ensures the GCAP portfolio is delivered to optimal schedule quality including application of schedule risk analysis and ensuring the quality of schedules from bid phase through to execution
• Ensures robust Project Controls metrics and measures ( inc EV) are applied, conduct and deliver portfolio level analysis/ reporting for the GCAP Programme identifying key trends/ issues and recommendations, working proactively with the Programme Controls Manager, functional leads/ IPTs to resolve issues
• Champions and ensures the application of robust Schedule Risk Analysis techniques within the GCAP Programme to ensure schedules for proposals and projects reflect an acceptable level of risk to the business
• Responsible for the functional resourcing, management and development of the Project Controls team for the GCAP Programme, through encouraging positive relationships, developing effective team working, empowering and inspiring individuals.
• Champion Project controls within the GCAP Programme, providing support to the education of other functions and ensure pragmatic application of the necessary controls and measures is fully adopted by the GCAP Programme, including process and Ways of Working
• Manage cross portfolio dependencies and synergies through prioritisation and balance of resources across the business area/ Lob (as appropriate)
• Ensure functional governance and adherence to process within the GCAP Programme
• Actively contribute as part of the GCAP Programme leadership team to develop appropriate business solutions to deliver and/ or improve the GCAP Programme performance
• Drive and facilitate the Demand and Supply aspects of the Integrated Business Management cycle within the GCAP Programme including provision of inputs (inc scenario planning) and outputs
• Champion continuous improvement through identifying and delivering business and functional improvement activities
• Conduct independent assessment of schedule quality/risk as a contributor to the LCM process and in accordance with LCM principles.

What you'll bring

• 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 ofvarying value/ complexity
• Experience in one or more Planning/ERP Tools (ideally including Primavera P6 and/or SAP)
• Experience in developing, motivating and leading others to deliver successful outcomes and ability to coach others through change and periods of uncertainty.
• Application of Schedule Risk Analysis including identification, methods of analysis and recommendations for management
• Proven collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making skills
• Commercial and financial acumen and negotiation skills
• What if and Scenario analysis experience at portfolio level
• Holds APMG Project Controls Practitioner Level Certification and meets the knowledge and experience competency levels of the Project Manager (Master), Programme Manager (Advanced) or PMO Manager as defined by the APM Competency Framework.
• Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams and recognise and positively interact with stakeholders up to SVP/ UK level
• Able to act as delegate for the Business Area Programme Controls Manager

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 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. 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.

Benefits

• 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: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid