Chief Programme Manager UAV Systems at Denel Dynamics
Denel Dynamics · Centurion, Gauteng
Overview
Denel Dynamics is looking for a seasoned Chief Programme Manager to lead their UAV programmes in Centurion. This senior role is perfect for an experienced engineer with strong project management skills who wants to oversee large-scale defence projects, manage cross-functional teams, and drive strategic business growth. If you have a passion for aerospace and a track record of delivering complex programmes, this could be your next big career move.
About the role
As the Chief Programme Manager for UAV systems at Denel Dynamics, you will take charge of a portfolio of cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle projects. You'll be responsible for aligning programmes with strategic business goals, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery. This is a senior leadership role that combines technical oversight with people management and business development.
You can expect to work closely with clients, internal committees, and commercial teams to secure orders and drive proposal development. You'll also manage budgets, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with trade, quality, and safety standards. Your day-to-day will involve strategic planning, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and fostering a high-performance culture within your team.
Please note: This is a re-advertisement. No application instructions or closing date were provided in the listing.
Requirements
- A degree in Engineering and a Project Management certification or qualification.
- A postgraduate qualification in Business is advantageous.
- At least 10 years of experience in a technical, engineering manufacturing project or programme environment.
- At least 5 years of experience in a managerial capacity leading project management activities.
- Proven experience managing large programmes across development (engineering and logistics) and production phases.
- Strong negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Finance, Configuration Management, Quality, Baseline Management, System Engineering Processes, MRP, and SAP.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, relationship-building, organisational, problem-solving, and change management skills.
- Strategic thinker with operational execution abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and drive innovation.
- Willingness to travel.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the entire portfolio of UAV programmes, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and timely delivery.
- Establish clear project deliverables and monitor execution against programme management norms.
- Liaise with clients, provide support and training, and coordinate projects with relevant business units.
- Engage internal committees and business units to ensure programme plans are sound.
- Plan and assess human resource requirements, allocate resources, and lead team recruitment, coaching, and performance monitoring.
- Analyse programme efficiency and effectiveness, and implement improvements or recovery actions.
- Manage programme budgets, control expenses, and ensure sustainable profitability.
- Ensure compliance with trade, quality, and safety requirements, and manage risks.
- Work with Commercial to develop customer targeting strategies, secure orders, and guide proposal development and contract negotiations.
- Contribute to product research and development, and engage in trend analysis to identify future customer needs.
- Manage facilities, assets, equipment, administration, and reporting.
Job details
- Organisation
- Denel Dynamics
- Location
- Centurion, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Executive (10+ years)
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- Construction & Engineering
- Application Method
- Apply manually
Success Guide
This is a senior role at Denel Dynamics, a leader in the South African defence and aerospace industry. If you're applying, make sure your CV clearly highlights your experience managing large, complex engineering programmes, especially in UAV or aerospace. Emphasise your leadership skills, your ability to manage budgets and cross-functional teams, and your knowledge of systems like SAP and MRP. Networking within the defence sector and understanding of both development and production phases will set you apart. Prepare for a rigorous interview process that may include technical assessments and behavioural questions. Good luck!
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