VP Programmes UK

A pro-active proven executive leader with extensive experience leading complex programmes and portfolios in a technical, industrial or engineering-led environment.

Demonstrable senior programme management experience with full P&L accountability and the management of large, complex programme financial performance.

Strong commercial judgement, with experience supporting or leading major bids, feasibility assessments and customer negotiations.

The ability to operate confidently at executive level with both UK MoD and export customers, partners and internal leadership teams.

A strategic mindset combined with a strong focus on operational execution and delivery.

Experience of leading across complex matrix and international organisations.

The ability to make complex decisions, prioritise competing demands and manage trade-offs across a portfolio.

Strong leadership and people development capabilities, with the ability to build high-performing programme teams across geographies and cultures.

Excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills.

A proactive and pragmatic approach to identifying issues early and driving effective resolution.

The ability to communicate complex technical, commercial and programme issues clearly to a range of audiences.

High levels of personal accountability, resilience and sound judgement.

The successful VP of Programmes will combine the discipline of an experienced programme leader with the commercial judgement of a business executive and the strategic perspective required to lead the future development of the portfolio.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.

Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).

Rewarding Performance : All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.

Never Stop Learning : Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.

Tailored Perks : Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

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