Program Strategy Manager

Destinus

Program Manager at Destinus leading complex aerospace programs and ensuring alignment with business objectives. Responsible for strategic planning, financial performance, and cross-functional collaboration.

Posted 6/3/2026full-timeHengelo • 🇳🇱 NetherlandsSeniorLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

What you’ll need

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 considered an advantage

Benefits

Comp & perks

✨ The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
✨ Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
✨ Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
✨ Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.
Security screening is an integral component of the selection process, ensuring that candidates meet the organization's security standards and safeguarding against potential risks.
Providing a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is a standard part of the application process at Destinus.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

P&L managementbudgetingforecastingfinancial reportingrisk managementprogram governanceprogram performance monitoringcontract negotiationchange managementcontinuous improvement

Soft Skills

customer-facing experiencestakeholder managementcommunication skillsnegotiation skillsleadership skillsrelationship buildingorganizational skillsproblem-solvingteam collaborationstrategic thinking