Job title and context. Program Director, reporting to the Managing Director of NIDT. Leading a team of two to three direct reports and approximately ten people from the Ministry of Defense.
Unique opportunity. This highly independent role gives a senior manager the opportunity to run a program with limited oversight within a clearly defined framework. It offers the chance to deliver a concrete project of critical importance to national security. A large team of experts and significant financial resources—a budget of €60 million—provide the means to achieve substantial results. This role offers valuable experience and is a highly regarded career step. Program managers leaving DARPA are highly sought after. The Program Director engages with companies and knowledge institutes at CEO level, while also having ample time for hands-on work, such as product testing far out in the North Sea alongside navy officers and experts. The Program Director works in an international context.
Purpose of the role. Leading the “Defending the North Sea” challenge program, with a budget of approximately €60 million, a three-year timeframe, and numerous participants and stakeholders. The aim is to deliver two to three new solutions that address a military capability need. Consortia develop solutions from TRL 6–7 to TRL 9.
Key responsibilities. Required outcomes include:
Design the program, including selection, contracting, stage-gate evaluations, and selection against defined criteria across four phases. Drive progress towards procurement by MinDef.
Work with MinDef to ensure effective coordination with stakeholders in procurement and technical design.
Work with knowledge institutes on evaluations: TNO, Marin, NLR, and universities.
Ensure that the most successful solutions are effectively integrated into the operational units of the Netherlands Armed Forces, enabling their adoption and operational use.
Take ultimate responsibility for developing solutions that make the North Sea safer.
Deliver the program on time and within budget.
Innovate the innovation process. Design and implement improvements, and share lessons learned with MinDef.
What defines success. In order of priority.
Evaluate design and performance
Assessing each consortium’s outcomes at each phase as part of a team.
Understanding how to adapt the criteria for the next phase based on the quality of the outcomes.
Developing a deep understanding of the technology, the risks, and each consortium’s ability to deliver on its commitments.
Incorporating input from users in the field, for example from OPCOs.
Stakeholder management
Managing 10+ consortia, each with 2–5 participants. Making rigorous, transparent, and sometimes sensitive decisions about which consortia advance to the next phase.
Managing a broader team of 20+ people from MinDef (technical, OPCO, functional, and communications) and knowledge institutes.
Managing senior relationships at MinDef, including with political leaders, directors, generals, and others.
Managing relationships with the wider public through the media.
Focus on results
Keeping the program on schedule and ensuring NIDT acts predictably.
Remaining mission-driven, with the ultimate goal of defending the Netherlands firmly in view.
Proactively identifying and seizing opportunities, taking initiative.
Taking full responsibility for the program.
Delivering beyond the mandate to support adoption and production.
Team collaboration
Being receptive to direction and recognizing the importance of securing support from a wider group of stakeholders.
Supporting colleagues, sharing lessons learned, and demonstrating commitment to NIDT’s success.
Contributing to a high-performing team culture.
Manage resources
Managing a team of direct reports.
Managing the organizational budget and the innovation program budget (€60 million).
Overseeing reporting and auditing.
Authority and decision-making. Substantial autonomy in making decisions concerning a €60 million budget. A mandate to design and run the program within strategic guidelines. Final financial decisions require approval from the Directors and MinDef.
Track record of achievements. A strong candidate has:
Proven track record of impact as a researcher and deep expertise in a technical field, ideally relevant to the sea defense program. A PhD in a technical or engineering field.
Concrete achievements in a management role within a high-tech organization, such as business unit management, commercial management, or project management, with a significant P&L or budget responsibility. These achievements include having made evaluations and selections against both technical and operational criteria.
Measurable results in managing a broad set of external relationships, such as those with customers or stakeholders like knowledge institutes and governmental organizations.
Competencies and skills. Strong leadership and the ability to deliver against clear objectives. Sound business judgment and the ability to negotiate and assess complex programs. Ability to work under public scrutiny. A collaborative team player within an NIDT team of approximately 25 people. Candidates from organizations that may participate in the challenge must clearly explain how they would avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Conditions. Salary within WNT limits. A full-time role based in Amsterdam, close to Central Station and parking facilities, with frequent travel within the Netherlands and some international travel. A three-year assignment with annual evaluations. Security clearance required.
Process. A successful application includes completed information with uploaded files covering the requested topics. After submitting a CV and letter, you will receive an email with a link to upload remaining files. References are an important part of the selection process. Questions can be submitted (anonymously) and will be answered through the Q&A section on the NIDT website. Successful candidates will be invited to interviews in January 2027. Terms and conditions will be shared at that stage of the process. Candidates who pass the first round will be invited to a second round of interviews. Final decisions will be made on January 29. Onboarding is expected no later than March 1, 2027.
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