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.