Project Management Specialist - Fixed Wing Strategic Growth

The Project Manager for Fixed Wing (FW) Strategic Growth drives the execution of new bids, proposals, and strategic growth projects.

This role oversees the entire project lifecycle, from proposal development through to execution, managing cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

• Execute campaigns: Lead project management and delivery for all new Fixed Wing bids and proposals.
• Enforce governance: Manage proposals strictly according to the Integrated Bid Acquisition Process (IBAP).
• Direct teams: Lead cross-functional teams through requirements development and bid strategy formulation.
• Control resources: Estimate and manage bid budgets, resources, and schedules.
• Drive reviews: Schedule, prepare, and execute mandatory gate reviews.
• Support leadership: Coordinate the FW Capability Strategy Review (CSR) and support the FW Strategic Business Committee (SBC).

• Manage lifecycle: Deliver all IWT, IRAD, IAD, and on-contract projects in the FW Strategic Growth portfolio.
• Maintain baselines: Execute projects using the Project Plan and Programme Baselines per the Enterprise Standard Gated Process (ESGP).
• Mitigate risks: Own Risk, Issue, and Opportunity (RIO) management, creating and tracking actionable handling plans.
• Unify teams: Manage cross-functional, cross-cultural, and geographically dispersed teams to foster collaboration.
• Control financials: Oversee cost, schedule, resource allocation, and strict budgetary management.
• Lead governance: Chair required governance meetings to align project goals and drive performance.
• Report performance: Own all associated BDUK internal and external reporting metrics.
• Manage stakeholders: Act as the primary BDUK contact for external suppliers and customer engagements.

• Ability to gain UK SC clearance
• Experience: Proven track record in project management, specifically leading aerospace or defence bids and proposals.
• Process Knowledge: Practical experience working with structured gated review processes (e.g., IBAP, ESGP, or industry equivalents).
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams without direct line authority.
• Risk Management: Hands-on experience with Risk, Issue, and Opportunity (RIO) management frameworks.
• Financial Acumen: Strong background in cost, schedule, Earned Value Management (EVM), and budget controls.
• Communication: Exceptional communication skills with experience presenting project status to senior leadership.

• Industry Domain: Deep understanding of Fixed Wing platforms, military aviation, or BDUK operational frameworks.
• Global Collaboration: Experience managing cross-cultural teams across different geographical locations and time zones.
• Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP), APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), or equivalent certification.
• Strategic Growth: Background supporting internal research and development (IRAD) or innovation-led funding projects.

This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.