Technical Project Manager (Contract)
Location: Leighton Buzzard (4 days onsite)
Contract Length: 6 months (Temp-to-Perm potential)
Start Date: ASAP
Engagement: Inside IR35 (Umbrella)
Rate: Negotiable
The Role
The Technical Project Manager is a key delivery role within the client’s engineering programme environment. Rather than being aligned to a single programme, you will be deployed flexibly across a portfolio of projects, supporting priority areas as required. Working under the direction of a Senior Project Manager, you will take ownership of defined work packages and be responsible for delivering against Quality, Cost, and Schedule (QCD) objectives. You will operate as a core member of the Integrated Project Team (IPT), coordinating day‑to‑day delivery, managing risks, and ensuring accurate project tracking and reporting. This role also offers a clear pathway toward Senior Project Manager level, with exposure to multiple programmes and opportunities for professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Structuring
- Support the creation and maintenance of project structures, including WBS, OBS, CBS, and resource plans
- Define and manage work packages, ensuring clear scope, ownership, budget, and timelines
- Contribute to the development and ongoing management of the Project Development Plan (PDP)
- Assist in cost estimation (NRC/RC) aligned to programme targets
- Ensure all project documentation is maintained in line with internal standards and regulatory requirements
Project Delivery
- Own delivery of assigned work packages, ensuring alignment to QCD targets
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams and track progress against milestones
- Manage risks, issues, and actions, escalating where appropriate
- Support governance activities including reporting and stakeholder updates
- Maintain accurate data within project management tools
Planning, Scheduling & Risk Management
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and milestone plans
- Apply structured planning methods, including rolling‑wave planning
- Track project baselines and manage change control processes
- Produce regular project dashboards and KPI reports
- Manage risks and opportunities, including mitigation planning and impact assessment
- Support cross‑site coordination with international teams where required
Stakeholder Management
- Support customer engagement under guidance from the Senior Project Manager
- Build strong working relationships across engineering, quality, and programme teams
- Represent the project in internal meetings and governance forums
Legacy Project Support
- Support close‑out of legacy or historic projects, including documentation and customer obligations
- Maintain accurate project records and configuration data
- Contribute to lessons learned and project closure reporting
Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the improvement of project management practices, tools, and processes
- Share lessons learned and promote best practice across the organisation
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to internal project management standards and lifecycle processes
- Support structured project governance, reporting cycles, and resource planning
- Maintain compliance with quality and regulatory requirements
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Proven project management experience within an engineering environment
- Strong track record of delivering against Quality, Cost, and Schedule objectives
- Experience with structured project planning frameworks (e.g. WBS, cost and resource planning)
- Experience developing project plans and managing full project lifecycle delivery
- Knowledge of cost estimation and budget management
- Strong risk and issue management experience
- Ability to coordinate cross‑functional teams in a matrix environment
- Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
Desirable Experience
- Aerospace or defence sector experience
- Familiarity with stage‑gate development processes
- Experience with enterprise project management tools (e.g. Planisware or similar)
- Knowledge of engineering change management/PLM systems
- APQP or similar quality frameworks
- Professional PM qualification (APM, PMP, or equivalent)
- Exposure to Agile methodologies in engineering environments
- French language skills (beneficial)
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong delivery focus with a proactive approach
- Excellent planning and organisational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical mindset with effective problem‑solving ability
- Resilient and adaptable under pressure
- Able to work independently and take ownership of deliverables
- Committed to continuous learning and development
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of engineering programmes
- Potential for permanent role following initial contract
- Exposure to international project teams
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Collaborative and dynamic working environment
Equal Opportunities
The Client is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to the organisation’s values.
#J-18808-Ljbffr