Strategic Defence Programme Lead

Destinusgroup; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a Defense Program Manager to lead complex defence programmes in the Netherlands, coordinating with customers, engineering, operations, testing and leadership teams.

You will drive development, testing, qualification and delivery while translating customer requirements into clear priorities for technical teams and maintaining strong interfaces with stakeholders at all levels. Security screening and conduct verification are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing complex defence, military, aerospace or advanced technology programmes.
• Experience working with interceptors, strike systems, weapons systems, missiles, military platforms or comparable complex defence technologies.
• Demonstrated experience taking military or defence systems through development, testing, qualification and certification.
• Strong understanding of defence programme environments, including the technical, regulatory and operational requirements involved in delivering military systems.
• Good technical understanding and the ability to work effectively with engineering and product development teams.
• Strong programme management capabilities across planning, risk management, stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior customer stakeholders and highly technical engineering teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the credibility to represent Destinus with senior external stakeholders.
• Professional fluency in Dutch and English

Responsibilities

• Lead complex defence programmes, taking ownership of execution, planning and delivery.
• Build trusted relationships with customers and key external stakeholders, acting as a strong interface between their requirements and our internal teams.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, operations, testing, production and other programme functions.
• Translate customer and operational requirements into clear priorities and deliverables for technical teams.
• Manage programme scope, milestones, dependencies, risks, budgets and deliverables.
• Drive programmes through development, testing, qualification and certification activities.
• Ensure alignment between customer expectations, operational requirements and engineering development.
• Identify programme risks early and drive practical solutions across technical, operational and stakeholder challenges.
• Represent Destinus in meetings with government, military, industry and other relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to strengthening Destinus' long-term position within the European defence ecosystem.

Job description

Destinus is seeking a Defense Program Manager to lead complex defence programmes in the Netherlands, coordinating with customers, engineering, operations, testing and leadership teams.

You will drive development, testing, qualification and delivery while translating customer requirements into clear priorities for technical teams and maintaining strong interfaces with stakeholders at all levels. Security screening and conduct verification are part of the process.