Program Manager

Destinus; Valkenburg; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work on cutting-edge projects

Collaborate with top engineers

Experience rapid growth

Job summary

Destinus, located in Valkenburg, Netherlands, is seeking a Program Manager to oversee strategic programs in the aerospace and defense industry. You will manage program performance, financials, and stakeholder relationships to ensure timely delivery aligned with customer expectations.

The ideal candidate has at least 15 years in relevant roles, with strong skills in program management, risk management, and compliance. Join us to work on groundbreaking UAV projects that redefine the future of defense operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in Program Management or related roles
• Experience managing large-scale, complex programs
• Strong understanding of financial performance and budgeting

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of strategic programs from contract award through delivery
• Manage program financial performance and reporting
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure program execution

Skills

Program Management

P&L management

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Negotiation

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Aerospace, Industrial Management

Job description

Overview

Imagine that you 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 at Destinus, 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 business objectives.

Destinus is revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting‑edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. The company partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission‑critical operations.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of strategic programs from contract award through delivery, ensuring alignment with business objectives, 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, technical objectives, 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’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 is required; additional European languages are an advantage

Who You Are

You are a strategic thinker who understands that successful programs are built on more 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 evolve quickly and decisions have real impact. You are comfortable challenging 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.

Benefits

• Work on cutting‑edge projects that redefine aerospace
• Collaborate with top engineers from around the world
• Experience rapid growth in a high‑energy environment
• Your work has real impact on 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.