Manufacturing Project Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Project Manager to join our Operations team in Luton. These roles sit within a key Lines of Business: Surveillance and Protection Technologies or Combat Air.

This is a high-impact role at the heart of our manufacturing operations. You will lead a cross-functional Integrated Project Team (IPT), acting as the critical interface between Manufacturing and the wider business. Your focus will be to ensure robust planning, effective resource management, and successful delivery across the product portfolio. 

If you are passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement and leading high-performing teams, we would love to hear from you. 

What you will do as Manufacturing Project Manager: 

• Lead and coordinate a cross-functional Integrated Project Team to deliver manufacturing objectives 

• Manage manufacturing budgets and risk provisions across the full project lifecycle 

• Drive Manufacturing input into bid activities for new business opportunities 

• Manage resource and capacity plans to ensure successful product delivery and support 

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to reduce lead times, increase throughput and deliver cost efficiencies 

• Monitor and review production trends to ensure early warning systems are in place to de-risk potential delivery and quality issues 

• Regularly review expenditure on labour and material to ensure efficient and appropriate usage, aligned with sales forecasts and project performance reviews 

• Champion and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement 

• Optimise WIP and stock holdings to maximise cash flow while maintaining delivery of products in line with business requirements 

• Drive inventory optimisation in line with Lean Manufacturing principles, Line of Business requirements and site targets 

• Empower teams to find, analyse and robustly solve manufacturing and supply chain challenges 

• Work closely with the Integrated Project Teams and Commercial & Finance functions for optimal demand & supply management 

• Prepare and present business reports as required by IPT and/or business area 

• Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal functions and with external stakeholders 

What you'll bring: 

• Proven experience in project, operational and budget management within a manufacturing environment 

• Experience within the defence or aerospace sectors 

• Strong understanding of Life Cycle Management processes, including Manufacturing Maturity Reviews 

• Experience of delivering operational improvements in a manufacturing environment 

• Degree or HND in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience) 

• APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2 or equivalent qualification 

• Experience using ERP systems (SAP) and PLM systems (Teamcenter Unified) 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing supply and demand dynamics 

You’ll also demonstrate: 

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and empower teams 

• Sound knowledge and understanding of manufacturing theory and practice 

• Ability to delegate tasks effectively to the wider team 

• The ability to drive change and deliver results in complex environments 

• Customer focus with strong commercial awareness and financial acumen 
• Emotional intelligence and cultural awareness 

 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.

You must be eligible for full security clearance.  For more information and guidance please visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels