Programme Manager-UAV Programme (Hoogeveen)

Programme Manager-UAV Programme (Hoogeveen)

Date: May 24, 2026

Location:Hoogeveen, NL

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

About us

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fueled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

About the opportunity

GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for governments and original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to be better in everything we do.

We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do.

The role purpose

As a Programme Manager, you will play a pivotal role in a strategic programme to grow our Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development and manufacturing capabilities for the Defence market, working alongside senior leaders within our Defence business.  Your location will be at the GKN Fokker Aerospace B.V. site in Hoogeveen, The Netherlands.

You will be part of a broader team applying critical thinking and insights to transform how we deliver capability and will be responsible for the leadership and execution of programme workstreams in line with requirements and the agreed scope, so experience of performing this type of role on similar programmes is essential.

You will be part of, and lead, a high-performing, cross-functional Integrated Programme Team (IPT) comprising some of the most skilled experts from across GKN Aerospace’s global network, all dedicated to delivering world-class Defence UAV capability.

Job responsibilities

Provide critical thinking and insight to strategic programme activities including ways of working, accelerated operational process flows, life cycle management, product strategy and product industrialisation.

Lead the execution of programme workstreams (including management of change) to comply with all business case and strategic requirements.

• Responsible for leading and coordinating the IPT for executing the programme across the complete life cycle including:
• Delivery against all agreed milestones;
• Implementation, maintenance and reporting of relevant programme performance KPI’s spanning all functional responsibilities;
• Delivery of programme financial results in accordance with agreed budget and targets;
• Responsibility for management and implementation of change;
• Scheduling and chairing internal Life Cycle Gate reviews including and remedial activities identified;
• Responsible for establishment of demand and performance handshake across different business functions;
• Lead risk, issue and opportunity management to identify and manage risk exposure and take advantage of opportunities
• Provide input to make, move, buy decisions and strategic procurement decisions
• Support the senior leadership team in defining the vision, strategy, budget for the programme
• Support the senior leadership team in preparing cost and pricing proposals in close cooperation with the commercial & contracts organisation
• Adhere to all programme management standards and policies in accordance with the GKN Aerospace Program Management framework and contribute to process development

This role will require occasional travel between GKN facilities in the Netherlands, UK and Sweden.

Person specification

• Able to lead high performing teams, navigate challenges with customers and deliver results, whilst maintaining team morale and stakeholder alignment;
• Able to demonstrate interpersonal, negotiation, organisational and effective communication skills, including emotional intelligence

Experience, skills and formal qualifications

• A recognized degree in engineering, manufacturing or aerospace related disciplines is mandatory, with further business related qualifications as desirable;
• Either completed or registered for acknowledged Programme Management Certification (for instance IPMA);
• Demonstrable project leadership experience within an engineering / manufacturing environment;
• Understanding and experience within the aerospace industry, its regulations and standards highly desirable;
• Must possess a comprehensive knowledge in all relevant functional disciplines and be proficient in the fundamentals of Programme Management and finance;
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Project and Office applications;
• Ability to lead, coach and mentor direct reports;
• Excellent communication skills, able to adapt communication style depending on the stakeholder and situation;
• Ability to influence people, build trust, and build working relationships within an international organisation;
• Proficient in Dutch and English, both spoken and written

 We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

What's in it for you?

Besides an innovative and international work environment that offers you a good work-life balance
We offer you opportunities to learn and grow, a competitive salary M (MetalElectro), pension plan, 29 vacation days / 13 ADV days and travel allowance (from 10 km single journey) as well.

Interested?

For questions please contact Tamara Bottenberg via View email address on careers.gknaerospace.com. We only process applications submitted via the “Apply” button.

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.​
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