Program Manager

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work on cutting-edge projects

Collaborate with top engineers

Experience in a high-growth environment

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a Program Manager in Hengelo, Netherlands, to lead strategically important programs in the aerospace and defense industry. This role requires a minimum of 15 years of experience and a strong background in managing complex programs and financial performance.

The ideal candidate will ensure programs are delivered on time and within budget, while maintaining excellent customer relationships. Join Destinus and be part of redefining aerospace technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in Program Management roles within aerospace or defense.
• Strong financial performance management experience.
• Experience managing large-scale, complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of strategic programs from contract award through delivery.
• Manage program financial performance including P&L responsibility.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks.

Skills

P&L management

Program strategy development

Customer relationship management

Risk management

Excellent communication

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Aerospace, or related field

Job description

About the role

Imagine thatyou are leading some of the most complex and strategically important programs in the aerospace and defense industry, balancing customer expectations, business performance, operational execution, and long-term growth. As a Program Manager atDestinus, you will sit at the intersection of technology, production, finance, and customer success, ensuring that ambitious programs are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with businessobjectives.

AtDestinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry withcutting-edgeUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness.Destinuspartners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

This role goes beyond traditional project management. You willbe responsible fordriving program strategy, managing financial performance, mitigating risks, and building strong customer relationships while coordinating multidisciplinary teams across engineering, production, supply chain, and business functions. Your ability to translate complex challenges into actionable plans will directlyimpactthe success of our products and the future growth of the company.

What You’ll Do

• Own the full lifecycle of strategic programs from contract award through delivery, ensuring alignment with businessobjectives, customer expectations, and operational capabilities
• Manage program financial performance, including P&L responsibility, forecasting, budgeting, cost control, margin optimization, and financial reporting
• Develop and execute program strategies that balance customer requirements, technicalobjectives, commercial goals, and operational constraints
• Build trusted relationships with customers, government stakeholders, partners, and internal leadership teams, acting as the primary point of contact for program-related matters
• Identify, assess, and proactively mitigate program risks across technical, operational, financial, contractual, and supply chain domains
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, production, procurement, quality, and operations to ensure successful program execution
• Monitor program performance through KPIs, milestones, and financial metrics, driving corrective actions when needed
• Support contract negotiations, change management activities, and commercial discussions throughout the program lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and company governance standards
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program execution, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's orMaster's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Aerospace, Industrial Management, or a related field
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Program Management, Senior Project Management, or Business Management roles within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or highly regulated industrial environments
• Strong P&L management experience with proven responsibility for program financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, complex programs involving multiple stakeholders and international teams
• Deep understanding of risk management methodologies and program governance frameworks
• Strong customer-facing experience, including executive-level stakeholder management and contract execution
• Experience working within production and industrial environments, with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations
• Aerospace and defense industry experience is mandatory
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance technical, operational, and financial priorities
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Fluency in English isrequired. Additional European languages are considered an advantage

Who You Are

You are a strategic thinker who understands that successful programs arebuilt onmore than schedules and deliverables. You see the bigger picture, connecting financial performance, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and business growth. You thrive in complex environments where priorities evolvequicklyand decisions have real impact. You arecomfortablechallenging assumptions, managing risk, and navigating uncertainty while keeping teams aligned and focused on results. Most importantly, you take ownership, build trust with stakeholders, and consistently deliver outcomes that create value for both customers and the business.

Why Join Us?

• The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
• Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
• Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
• Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.