Project Manager Technology

Are you ready to lead technology projects in the defense aerospace industry?

Are you technically skilled, well-organized, and looking for a new challenge in a high-tech environment? At GKN Fokker Aerospace in Hoogeveen, we are looking for a Project Manager Technology who can make a difference in our international projects. You will oversee the bigger picture, monitor progress, and help turn their technological ambitions into reality.

GKN Fokker Hoogeveen is part of GKN Aerospace, a globally influential player in the aerospace industry. The Hoogeveen site plays a key role within GKN Aerospace, specializing in the development and production of advanced composite structures for both civil and defense aerospace applications. They focus on designing, analyzing, and manufacturing lightweight, highstrength components that are critical for modern aircraft and defense systems.

At the Global Technology Center in Hoogeveen, multidisciplinary teams work on innovative solutions, including the development of proprietary software tools such as FokkerWind and the implementation of automated manufacturing technologies. These initiatives contribute to the continued digitalization and optimization of engineering and production processes within GKN Aerospace. The Hoogeveen site is crucial in delivering high-quality technologies that meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace and defense sectors.

As a Project Manager Technology, you will coordinate multiple technical workstreams within our Engineering & Technology team. You’ll work closely with partners, colleagues, and consortia, keeping track of planning, identifying risks, and steering the team with your strong analytical insights. You’ll operate both locally (Netherlands) and internationally (UK), with a clear focus on collaboration and communication. You bring structure, deliver transparent progress reports, and manage the planning, costs, and interdependencies between various projects.

Your responsibilities include:

• Compile and maintain the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS), and project schedules for activities in the Netherlands;
• Drive and monitor team progress against planned schedules and costs;
• Monitor project interdependencies between the UK and the Netherlands;
• Collaboratively plan with partner organizations and consortia;
• Analyze and report on progress, scope, and costs compared to the project baseline;
• Oversee resource management for the project;
• Proactively identify issues requiring management attention;
• Support the development of recovery plans when deviations occur;
• Prepare internal stakeholder communications and assist the finance team in government reporting;
• Facilitate Risk and Opportunity Management, including maintaining the risk register to manage and mitigate exposure;
• Set up and maintain robust document management for the project and stakeholders;
• Support the creation, coordination, and delivery of change proposals for management or stakeholders;
• Manage project updates in applicable systems and tools;
• Maintain the project action log and support timely task completion;
• Facilitate the change control process and maintain the change log;
• Coordinate purchase order request activities by gathering input from the technical team, driving them through approval, and guiding new suppliers through registration;
• Implement and monitor these are followed throughout the project security and export compliance measures as required and ensure

You are someone who takes ownership and effortlessly balances technical content, process, and people. You have experience with complex technical projects and know what it takes to manage them successfully. You bring:

• A completed technical bachelor’s or master’s degree, or comparable experience in a similar role;
• Experience in project management within a technical or R&D environment;
• Familiarity with project planning, interdependencies, risk management, and change control;
• A PMP or IPMA certification, or willingness to obtain one;
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to maintain oversight.

You will join an innovative, internationally operating organization with a rich history in aircraft manufacturing. At GKN Fokker Aerospace, technology is central to everything we do, and we take pride in it. You’ll be given the space to develop your expertise within a team that strives to move forward. You can expect:

• A salary in line with the Metalektro CLA (scale N), between €6,000 and €8,000, depending on your experience;
• 29 vacation days + 13 ADV (additional) days;
• Travel allowance and 8% holiday pay;
• An informal working environment within an ambitious team;
• The chance to work on projects that truly matter - in aerospace and defense;
• Opportunities for international collaboration and personal growth.

WFS PRO is managing the recruitment process for this position. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Niels Kloostra at n.kloostra@wfspro.nl.