Program Manager Middle East

About the role

Harmattan AI is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the delivery of cutting‑edge defense systems for customers in the Middle East. This client‑facing position requires strong leadership, domain expertise, and the ability to coordinate across global and local teams while maintaining a centralized product vision.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for the customer throughout program execution.
• Lead and coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time, on‑spec delivery of complex, mass‑produced systems.
• Guarantee that all deliverables meet contractual, technical, and operational requirements.
• Anticipate risks and lead rapid, structured resolution of issues as they arise.
• Own the program timeline and ensure billing is activated at contractual milestones.
• Track and resolve program‑level blockers, both technical and administrative.
• Ensure centralized product policies align with program‑specific and customer‑specific constraints.
• Identify missing enablers and escalate internally to unblock delivery or alignment.

Required profile

• 10+ years in defence/aerospace program management, having owned a €20M+ export contract end‑to‑end in the Middle East.
• Direct MoD‑level customer exposure with understanding of offset, local content and dual‑use export licensing.
• Autonomous, structured, calm under customer pressure, hands‑on approach in a scale‑up environment.
• Engineering degree (aerospace, EE, systems, mechatronics); PMP certification a plus.
• Fluent in Arabic and English; mobile across the Middle East.
• Strong knowledge of defense acquisition processes, program milestones and compliance documentation.
• Ability to manage programs in cutting‑edge/disruptive environments and oversee a complete business plan.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, communication and leadership skills.