The Programme Manager will lead the delivery of complex naval and defence programmes, ensuring alignment with Leonardo's strategic objectives and customer requirements. This role requires anexperienced leader with a naval background, capable of managing large-scale, multi-year projects, engaging with defence stakeholders, and ensuring programmes are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality and compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the planning, governance, and execution of naval and defense-related programmes, related to the local activities (i.e. performed in Singapore).
- Define programme objectives and ensure alignment with naval customer requirements and Leonardo's strategic goals.
- Apply operational experience to support programme planning, risk management, and capability delivery.
Programme Delivery
- Manage cross-functional teams (engineering, logistics, procurement, systems integration, in-service support).
- Ensure projects meet contractual commitments, defence regulations, and export control requirements.
- Drive consistency in project delivery, reporting, and programme reviews.
Stakeholder & Customer Engagement
- Act as the key liaison with Navy, MINDEF and related agencies.
- Leverage expertise to understand customer needs and translate them into deliverable solutions.
- Represent Leonardo Singapore at customer meetings, programme boards, and defense industry forums.
- Coordination and liaison with Program Management Team in Italy, to continuously ensure common goals, strategy and sharing.
Financial & Contract Management
- Develop and control programme budgets and resources.
- Oversee contract execution, including change requests, compliance, and commercial obligations.
- Deliver financial targets while maintaining customer satisfaction and trust.
Risk, Compliance & Quality
- Proactively manage programme risks, interdependencies, and issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and defence security standards.
- Lead reviews, audits, and assurance activities.
Change & Capability Development
- Support organisational learning by bringing naval operational insights into Leonardo's programmes.
- Mentor team members, sharing knowledge from naval service and defence industry best practices.
Qualifications & Skills
- Ex-Military, Ex-MINDEF or Defense Industry with relevant naval experience and demonstrated leadership in operations, logistics, engineering, or systems integration.
- Degree in Engineering, Defence Studies, Business, or related field (advanced certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or MSP are an advantage).
- 8-12 years experience in programme or project management within defence, aerospace, or naval systems.
- Strong understanding of naval platforms, systems, and operational requirements.
- In-depth knowledge of defence procurement processes and government contracting.
- Proven leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Effective working style across multinational and cross-functional teams.
- Eligible for security clearance as required by Defense contracts.
- Singaporean or PR
Key Competencies
- Strategic leadership with military/naval credibility
- Commercial acumen and contract management
- Stakeholder management with military and government agencies
- Defence contracting and compliance expertise
- Risk management and operational discipline
- Adaptability and resilience in high-pressure environments
- Flexibility to work and grow with Leonardo's local subsidiary to develop programme management activities for in-service support contracts in Singapore and other likely prospects in APAC Region.
Why Join Leonardo
Our people enjoy:-
- Competitive compensation and benefits recognising talent and commitment
- Continuous learning and development programmes to advance skills and careers
- Global mobility and opportunities to work on international projects
- Work-life balance initiatives that support wellbeing
- An inclusive and collaborative culture, where every voice matters
