Program Manager

Senior Project Manager / Programme Manager – Defence Technology

📍 Europe

💼 Permanent | Full-Time

✈️ International Travel Required

Lead complex programmes shaping the future of defence technology

I'm working with an innovative organisation operating within the defence and advanced technology sector , and they are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager / Programme Manager to take ownership of complex, high-value programmes from concept through to delivery.

This is a senior position for someone who understands the complexity of delivering technology into the military, MOD, NATO and government environment and can bring together engineering, manufacturing, procurement, commercial and customer stakeholders to deliver against demanding programmes.

Experience working with weapons, missiles or other complex defence products would be highly advantageous.

What You'll Do

• Take end-to-end ownership of complex defence programmes and projects.
• Lead programme planning, execution, governance, budgets, schedules and delivery.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality and operations.
• Work closely with senior military, government, MOD, NATO and customer stakeholders.
• Manage programme risks, dependencies, issues and mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain programme plans, milestones, KPIs and reporting structures.
• Coordinate design, development, testing, qualification and production activities.
• Lead customer meetings, programme reviews and senior stakeholder engagements.
• Manage suppliers, partners and external programme stakeholders.
• Ensure programmes remain aligned with contractual, technical, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Support bids, proposals and future programme opportunities where required.
• Drive continuous improvement across programme delivery and project management processes.

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years' experience in Project Management, Programme Management or a similar senior delivery position.
• Proven experience delivering complex programmes within Defence, Military, MOD, NATO, Naval or Aerospace environments .
• Strong understanding of defence procurement and programme delivery processes.
• Experience managing technically complex products or systems from development through to delivery.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with government or military customers.
• Demonstrable experience managing budgets, schedules, risks, suppliers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, technically demanding environments.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of contracts and programme governance.

Highly Desirable

🚀 Weapons / Missile Systems

🚢 Naval Defence Programmes

🛡️ Defence Systems

✈️ Aerospace / Aviation

🎯 Guidance, Navigation & Control

🔧 Systems Integration

🧪 Test & Qualification Programmes

🌍 NATO / International Defence Programmes

Experience taking a complex product through design → development → integration → testing → qualification → production would be particularly valuable.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take a senior position within an organisation working on highly complex defence technology programmes , where your experience will have a direct impact on programme delivery.

You'll work alongside highly experienced engineering and technical teams while engaging with senior customers and stakeholders across the defence ecosystem.

If you're an experienced Senior Project Manager or Programme Manager with a strong defence background and you're looking for your next challenge, I'd be very interested in speaking with you.

📩 Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

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