Program Manager

Location: Valkenburg

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…