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.