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