Program Support Manager - Defense

Program Support Manager - Defense

Bridge talent and mission-critical operations in the dynamic world of aerospace and defense. Join Fokker Services Group and help drive success from within.

• 1 year starting contract
• 40 hours a week
• MBO+
• 40 Vacation/ADV days per year

How you keep the engine running with us

As Program Support Manager Defense, you will report functionally and hierarchically to the Head of Production and Standards, and operationally to the Project Manager Defense. You are the essential link between employees stationed across Ministry of Defense airbases and Fokker Services Group, ensuring their success, satisfaction, and development while identifying new opportunities within the defense sector.

Key Responsibilities

As Program Support Manager Defense, you will play a crucial role in supporting and developing employees stationed at Ministry of Defense locations. Through regular on-site visits, you will foster strong engagement and ensure employees feel supported, both professionally and personally. You will also serve as the link between the field and Fokker Services Group, working closely with the Project Manager Defense to stay aligned on operational needs and developments.

Workforce planning will be a core aspect of your role—ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time. You will proactively manage placements and align talent with project demands. In addition, you will be a key player in maintaining strong, professional relationships with both our employees and defense partners.

You will also be responsible for:

• Acting as the first point of contact for both employees and Ministry of Defense representatives
• Supporting onboarding and offboarding processes
• Handling administrative tasks related to placement, supervision, and compliance
• Monitoring and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs), such as employee coverage and operational efficiency
• Working closely with the Sales Manager Defense to identify and pursue new business opportunities
• Supporting and implementing continuous improvement (CI) initiatives within the defense program

This dynamic role combines operational responsibility with strategic relationship and business development—making you a key driver in the success of our Defense projects.

How you are valuable to us

• 2–3 years of experience in recruitment, resource/staffing management, or workforce planning—ideally within a technical or defense-related field.
• Proven ability to support, coach, and develop externally placed employees.
• Commercially minded, with experience or strong interest in sales and relationship management.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-starter with a proactive attitude and a keen eye for opportunity.
• Affinity for, or interest in, the defense sector is a strong advantage

Where you will be working

A company with over a hundred years of experience, innovation, knowledge and expertise coursing through our veins. Our cross-departmental approach and tailor-made solutions are making their mark on the future of aerospace innovation. With our welcoming and friendly culture, we are more than just colleagues. We are a team of friends committed to both fun and development in the workplace. This enthusiasm and ongoing performance development ensures that our employees commit to Fokker Services Group for the long-term.

We are pioneers and we are dauntless. It's no coincidence that we're a global player in the field of aircraft maintenance and advancement. Together with our keen and initiative-taking colleagues, we work on the most innovative and advanced solutions aiming at creating a more sustainable and optimal aerospace sector. We continue to push the boundaries of possibility. And that's how we make sure we keep aircraft where they belong: in the air!

The Team

Working at Fokker Services Group gives you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment, with innovative thinking and cooperation with a no-nonsense culture as the core. You will be guided by professional and resolute colleagues, which will give you the knowledge and experience to further boost your career.

We also offer you:

• A competitive salary matching your knowledge and experience
• Flexible hours
• When working fulltime (40 hours), you have 27 holiday days and 13 ADV leave days per year
• A challenging international working environment
• An insider’s look into the innovative world of aviation
• A lot of room for professional and personal growth
• Fun colleagues (trust us, we are not biased)