Roles & Responsibilities
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 PRKey Competencies
Strategic leadership with military / naval credibilityCommercial acumen and contract managementStakeholder management with military and government agenciesDefence contracting and compliance expertiseRisk management and operational disciplineAdaptability and resilience in high-pressure environmentsFlexibility 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 commitmentContinuous learning and development programmes to advance skills and careersGlobal mobility and opportunities to work on international projectsWork–life balance initiatives that support wellbeingAn inclusive and collaborative culture , where every voice mattersTell employers what skills you have
Negotiation
Management Skills
Budgets
Leadership
Analytical Skills
Contract Management
Risk Management
Administration
Strategy
Procurement
Program Management
Adaptability
Compliance
Project Management
PMP
Communication Skills
Programme Management
Customer Service
Stakeholder Management
Project Delivery
