Program Manager Middle East

About the Role
This is a client-facing role requiring precision, leadership, and domain expertise. You will ensure the delivery of cutting-edge defense products while maintaining a centralized product vision that respects local program constraints.

The Program Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the project, collaborating closely with the team in France and managing a local team. You will serve as the main point of contact for the customer throughout the execution of the project.

Responsibilities

• Customer Interface: Act as the single point of contact for the customer throughout program execution.
• Delivery Coordination: Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-spec delivery of complex and mass-produced systems.
• Compliance Oversight: Guarantee that all deliverables meet contractual, technical, and operational requirements.
• Crisis Management: Anticipate risks and lead rapid, structured resolution of issues as they arise.
• Invoicing & Revenue Triggering: Own the program timeline and ensure billing is activated at contractual milestones.
• Issue Management: Track and resolve program-level blockers, both technical and administrative.
• Local Interface Enablement: Ensure that centralized product policies are compatible with program-specific and customer-specific constraints.
• Enabler Identification: Identify missing enablers and escalate internally to unblock delivery or alignment.

Candidate Requirements

• 10+ years in defense/aerospace program management, having owned a €20M+ export contract end-to-end (scope, schedule, cost, risk, acceptance) in the Middle East region.
• Direct MoD-level customer exposure: understands offset, local content, and dual-use export licensing.
• Autonomous, structured, calm under customer pressure, hands-on: this is a scale-up where you will help build the PMO.
• Engineering degree required (aerospace, electrical engineering, systems, mechatronics); PMP certification is a plus.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory.
• Willingness to travel across the Middle East.
• Strong knowledge of defense acquisition processes, program milestones, and compliance documentation.
• Ability to manage programs in cutting-edge/disruptive environments.
• Proficiency in managing a complete business plan.
• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams toward success.