NATO Program Director – Cybersecurity, Cloud & Digital

Leonardo Belgium; Brussel Hoofdstad; Hybrid; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Career progression in a growing team

International exposure and NATO-facing

Job summary

Leonardo Belgium, Cyber & Security Division, Brussels, seeks an experienced Programme Director to lead delivery and growth of strategic NATO-focused programmes. You will oversee budgets, governance and international teams across cybersecurity, cloud tech and digital transformation, acting as a senior liaison with NATO stakeholders.

You will drive business development, manage risks, and ensure profitable delivery of complex programmes within an EU institutional context.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in Project/Programme or Delivery Management with international programmes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary and multinational teams.
• Proven track record managing programmes with substantial budgets and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex programmes with multiple projects and delivery teams.
• Manage performance, budgets, forecasts, profitability and contractual commitments.
• Build relationships with NATO stakeholders, customers and partners.
• Coordinate Project Managers, technical teams, consortium partners and subcontractors.
• Establish governance, monitor progress and report to stakeholders.
• Identify risks, dependencies and mitigation actions; support governance.
• Contribute to business development and strategic initiatives.
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement across programmes.

Skills

Programme leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Multinational coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Jira

Job description

The Cyber & Security Division of Leonardo Belgium, part of the Leonardo group, focuses on mission-critical services for EU Agencies, NATO and space organizations.

Based in Brussels, our team operates at the heart of the European Institutions ecosystem, managing complex framework contracts and delivering high-impact projects in close coordination with our engineering and delivery teams across Europe.

As we continue to expand our activities, we are seeking an experienced and result-driven Program Director to lead the delivery and growth of strategic programmes supporting NATO.

Job Specifications

• Location: Brussels (hybrid setup, 3 days on-site per week)
• Start date: Ideally January 2027
• Type of contract: Employment (Freelance is also possible)
• Travel requirements: Around 30% travel within the Benelux region
• Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain NATO PSC

As a Program Director, you will take overall responsibility for the successful delivery, financial performance and strategic development of complex programmes in the fields of cybersecurity, cloud technologies and digital transformation.

You will oversee multiple projects and contracts, coordinate international teams and partners, and act as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders.

This position combines programme leadership, business management and strategic customer engagement, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of Leonardo's activities within the NATO environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee complex programmes involving multiple projects, contracts and delivery teams, ensuring their successful execution.
• Manage programme performance, including budgets, financial forecasts, profitability, contractual commitments and delivery objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NATO stakeholders, senior customer representatives and strategic partners.
• Coordinate Project Managers, technical teams, consortium partners and subcontractors across international environments.
• Establish effective programme governance, monitor progress and ensure timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate and manage programme risks, dependencies and operational challenges, implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Contribute to business development activities, including new opportunities, proposals, contract extensions and strategic initiatives.
• Promote operational excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement across the programmes under your responsibility.

We are looking for an someone with a strong track record in managing complex programmes, combining strategic vision, operational excellence and sound business judgment.

Experience Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in Project, Programme or Delivery Management, including significant responsibility for complex international programmes.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary and multinational teams, coordinating Project Managers, technical experts and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience managing programmes or portfolios with a combined annual value of at least €15 million, including financial accountability for budgets, forecasting, profitability and contractual performance.

Industry & Technical Expertise

• Experience in NATO, cybersecurity, Defense, Aerospace, EU institutions, highly regulatedor comparable security-sensitive environments, with NATO programme experience particularly valued.
• Good understanding of cybersecurity, cloud technologies, digital transformation or IT service delivery, enabling effective coordination with technical teams and senior stakeholders.

Education & Languages

• A relevant Bachelor's degree or higher, or an equivalent educational qualification.
• Excellent command of English (C1 or higher). Professional proficiency in Italian is considered an advantage.

Additional Assets

• Experience coordinating international consortia, subcontractors or programmes involving classified environments is considered an asset.
• Professional certifications in Project or Programme Management, such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, SAFe or equivalent.
• Familiarity with programme management tools and methodologies, including EVM, SAP, Microsoft Project, Primavera or Jira.

What we have to offer

• The opportunity to lead strategic international programmes supporting NATO within a globally recognised group.
• A key leadership position with significant responsibility, autonomy and visibility within our growing Brussels organisation.
• The chance to work alongside experienced professionals and international stakeholders on complex, high-impact programmes.
• A competitive compensation package aligned with your experience, responsibilities and expertise.
• A dynamic and collaborative working environment combining the resources of an international group with the flexibility of a growing local organisation.
• Opportunities for professional development and long-term career progression within Leonardo.