Programme Manager

The Programme Manager will lead the programme engine for a four‑nation European consortium that is developing an affordable, exo‑atmospheric anti‑ballistic missile interceptor. Destinus, the prime contractor, also creates cutting‑edge unmanned aerial vehicles for defence customers worldwide, delivering speed, precision and cost‑effectiveness to mission‑critical operations. In this role you will translate technical direction into disciplined execution. You will own the integrated schedule, monitor critical paths, dependencies and milestones, and run the programme operating rhythm – from technical boards to partner reviews. Budget tracking, risk and issue management, and escalation to senior leadership are also your responsibility. You will manage export‑control, security, releasability and document‑control processes, ensuring controlled information flows across industrial partners and national stakeholders. Coordination of partner deliverables, interface management, data exchanges and preparation of reviews will keep the senior engineering team focused on delivery, while you provide clear status reporting for governmental and customer milestones. The position requires more than ten years of programme or project management experience in defence, aerospace or another regulated technical environment, and a proven record of running complex, multi‑party or international programmes that involve both industry and government. You must have hands‑on experience with export‑controlled or classified programmes, including security and information‑control procedures, and strong competence in integrated scheduling, budgeting, milestone tracking, risk management and document control. Technical literacy is essential to follow engineering reviews and turn decisions into actionable tasks, and you must communicate fluently in professional English. Experience with missile, aerospace or other government defence programmes, as well as the ability to establish programme structures for early‑phase development, are highly desirable. Fluency in French, German or Dutch is considered a plus. The role is based within Destinus’ innovative aerospace team, offering the chance to shape the future of defence technology in a collaborative, multinational environment. What the role asks for: - 10+ years programme/project management in defence or aerospace - Experience running complex multi‑party international programmes - Hands‑on work with export‑controlled or classified programmes - Strong integrated scheduling, budgeting, risk and document control - Technical literacy for engineering review translation - Fluent professional English - French, German or Dutch language proficiency (plus) - Experience with missile or defence programmes (plus)