Defense Program Manager

About the role

Destinus develops and delivers advanced interceptors and strike systems for defence customers worldwide. As Defense Program Manager you will take ownership of strategic defence programmes in the Netherlands, leading them from engineering development through testing, qualification, certification and operational delivery. The role coordinates closely with customers, engineering, operations, testing and leadership teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex defence programmes, owning execution, planning and delivery
• Build trusted relationships with customers and key external stakeholders, acting as the interface between their requirements and 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
• Ensure alignment between customer expectations, operational requirements and engineering development
• Identify risks early and drive practical solutions across technical, operational and stakeholder challenges
• Represent Destinus in meetings with government, military, industry and other stakeholders

Required profile

• Significant experience managing complex defence, military, aerospace or advanced technology programmes
• Experience with interceptors, strike systems, weapons systems, missiles or military platforms
• Demonstrated experience taking military or defence systems through development, testing, qualification and certification
• Strong programme management across planning, risk management, stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination
• Professional fluency in Dutch and English
• Security screening and a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) are part of the selection process