Job Description
Position Summary
The Manager Program is responsible for the overall leadership, execution, and financial performance of government and special mission aviation programs within the EMEA region. The role ensures the successful delivery of complex, multi-year programs involving aircraft modification, mission system integration, and long-term support services.
In addition to program execution, the role drives operational excellence, customer satisfaction across the assigned portfolio. The Program General Manager acts as the primary interface with key government customers during program delivery and ensures alignment between contractual commitments and operational execution.
The position requires strong leadership, deep industry expertise, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments in highly regulated government and defense contexts.
Main Responsibilities
Main Responsibilities Cont.
- Lead the execution of government and special mission aviation programs across their full lifecycle.
- Ensure delivery of programs in accordance with contractual commitments (cost, schedule, quality, and performance).
- Support pricing validation and financial inputs during bid and contract negotiation phases.
- Support smooth transition from bid phase to program execution.
- Manage contract changes, claims, and negotiations in coordination with Sales and Legal teams.
- Act as the executive interface with government customers during program execution.
- Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Promote a culture of accountability, performance, and operational discipline.
- Implement best practices in program and project management methodologies.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams including program managers, engineers, and support functions.
- Foster collaboration across regional and global teams.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or government aviation programs.
- Extensive experience in program management, operations, or general management roles.
- Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-year programs with high technical and regulatory requirements.
- Strong understanding of special mission aviation, aircraft modification, and mission system integration.
- Familiarity with government contracting and program execution environments.
- Familiarity with export control regulations (i.e. ITAR / EAR) and regulatory frameworks in civil and military aviation such as EMAR, EASA or FAA:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Aviation Management, or related discipline.
An MBA or equivalent executive education is strongly preferred.
Personal Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities
- Ability to lead large, multidisciplinary organizations
- High level of integrity and accountability
- Strong financial and commercial understanding
- Ability to balance operational execution with strategic objectives
- Strong decision-making capabilities in complex environments
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to engage at senior government and executive levels
- Strong program and project management skills with results-oriented with focus on delivery and performance
- Ability to manage risk and complexity effectively