Project Leader - Aerospace

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world-today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

As a Project Leader you will join our Stevenage and Portsmouth team to support our activities within the Space sector.

We are seeking an experienced Project Leader to manage complex operational, supply chain and business improvement activities within a high-profile aerospace and defence environment.

This role will suit someone with a background in project leadership, supply chain, procurement, logistics, operations or manufacturing, who can lead multi-disciplinary teams, engage stakeholders at all levels and drive delivery against customer objectives.

You will be responsible for coordinating projects, managing resources, driving performance improvements, supporting customers, and ensuring operational excellence across a fast-paced engineering environment.

• Location: Stevenage and Portsmouth
• On Site: Full - time on site
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Senior (3-10 years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate project activities across multiple workstreams.
• Manage cross-functional teams and support team development.
• Act as the primary interface for customers and key stakeholders.
• Track project performance through KPIs, dashboards and reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Manage project risks, issues and action plans.
• Support resource planning, workload management and workforce development.
• Ensure project quality, compliance and governance requirements are achieved.
• Coordinate operational activities across supply chain, procurement and logistics functions.
• Manage stakeholder communication and lead regular project reviews.
• Support onboarding, training and skills development activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, performance and service delivery.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in a Project Leader, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Procurement Manager or Programme Lead position.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Strong customer-facing and relationship management experience.
• Background within Aerospace, Defence, Manufacturing, Engineering or Industrial environments.
• Experience with KPI reporting, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics or Operations Management.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Experience driving process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience leading projects, operations, supply chain or procurement activities within an aerospace, defence, manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Proven track record of stakeholder management, customer engagement and team leadership.
• Knowledge of supply chain, logistics, procurement and operational delivery principles.

Desirable Skills:

• Aerospace/ Space or Defence project experience.
• Supplier management and procurement experience.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and audit support.
• Experience with SAP, AirSupply, LeanDNA, M3 or similar business systems.
• Familiarity with PDCA, 5 Whys, 5S and Lean methodologies.
• Experience operating within regulated engineering environments.

Why join us?

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.