The Vacancy

The role of a Project Manager

Day to day, you'll provide Project Management expertise in the delivery of a large, new business proposal that is a key part of Ascent's long-term strategy. You will work closely with new business, commercial, engineering, training design, customer stakeholders, and senior leadership to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and meets the requirements set out by the Customer. Your communication and leadership skills will allow you to engage and manage internal stakeholders, work with suppliers and customer stakeholders. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage the planning, execution, and delivery of the proposal activity
• Manage project scope, schedule, risks, and dependencies.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Prepare and present project reports, forecasts, and governance updates.

Coordinate cross-functional teams including training design, engineers, SMEs, commercial and finance staff.

What will make you successful in the Engineering Project Manager role?

Essential Criteria of a Project Manager:

We're looking for someone who brings both technical competence and strong leadership. You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing projects in aerospace, defence, training, or a similarly complex environment.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to manage project requirements / scope, project plans / schedules and risks, implement change control processes, and ensure quality assurance and other company processes are applied
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence outcomes.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Leadership, decision making and conflict resolution

Desirable Criteria of a Project Manager:

• Experience managing vendors / supply chain
• Experience in training systems, simulation, or defence capability development is highly desirable

Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!

Working Arrangements

Hub roles

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week. Typically worked on a 9 in 10 day working pattern, with a minimum requirement of two days per week in the office or onsite, and up to three days working from home.

Alternative hybrid working arrangements may be considered

We're proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether you're working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality, and work-life balance.

Security Clearance

Please note that many roles within Ascent Flight Training are subject to strict security restrictions. These may affect your eligibility based on factors such as, your nationality (current and former), place of birth or residency history

All applicants must, at a minimum, meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). In addition, many positions require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically demand more thorough background checks.

This role requires the successful candidate to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.

For further details, please refer to the official guidance on United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Our Values

We believe that great training starts with great people and our values guide how we work, lead, and grow together:

• Accountability & Empowerment - We take ownership of our actions and empower others to succeed. Everyone is trusted to make a difference.
• Integrity - We act with honesty, fairness, and professionalism in everything we do.
• Courage - We face challenges head on, speak up for what's right, and embrace change with confidence.
• Teamwork - We collaborate, support one another, and celebrate shared success.

These values aren't just words, they're how we build trust, deliver excellence, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

We champion diversity and inclusion because we believe that embracing different perspectives fuels creativity and growth. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we actively support individuals with disabilities through fair recruitment, tailored accommodations, and inclusive workplace schemes, including apprenticeships and work experience. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process, please get in touch and let us know.

The Company

Ascent Flight Training was appointed in 2008 to design and deliver a modern and efficient flying training system by the UK MOD.

Created as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin UK AND Babcock International; and is responsible within the UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS) for the training design and training delivery that creates the next generation of aircrew.

The Benefits

Work-life balance
Equivalent to 25 days annual leave with options to work flexibly (hours, working location, job share, etc.)

Support
We offer company maternity and paternity pay to all employees with over 2 years' service.

Room to grow
The opportunity to work in a fast paced and evolving company that is at the forefront of Military Aviation Training.

We've got you
We take care of our employees in more ways than one. Our competitive benefits package includes BUPA Private Medical Insurance for yourself and family and Life Assurance.

One team
At Ascent we pride ourselves at having a friendly and respectful work culture; we believe this enables our staff to perform to the best of their ability within a passionate environment.

We value you
We offer a competitive salary, Enhanced family friendly benefits and up to 6% matched pension contribution. We also offer length of service rewards for our long serving colleges.

The Gallery

Previous Next