Complex Systems Product Program Manager

Description

The role is based in Vélizy, France, and can also be based in Toulouse.

The company is a global high-technology leader working in defence and security, aerospace and space, and cyber and digital. It invests about €4.5 billion a year in research and development, in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum, cloud technologies and 6G. It employs about 85,000 people in 65 countries.

The airspace mobility solutions unit sits within the Land and Air Systems global business unit. It builds advanced airspace control and security systems for commercial and defence customers, and digital solutions for unmanned traffic management (UTM) and digital aviation.

The unit is moving from a project-based model to a product-based one. The product programme you would join is the largest software product development effort in the unit, with more than 300 engineers worldwide.

You would support the product line manager in running the interface between projects and product development. The job is to balance standard product features against customer-specific needs while keeping the product roadmap and business goals aligned. Project delivery stays with the project managers in each segment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the link between projects and the product, so customer requirements, project needs and the roadmap stay aligned. This includes compliance matrices during bids and keeping the product consistent during project delivery.
• Track funding for the product roadmap through CFRD and SFRD, so project contributions, funding needs and product goals match.
• Build the product programme dashboard, schedules and development plans. Cover project dependencies, shared and specific developments, architecture changes, milestones, budgets and recurring and non-recurring costs (RC/NRC).
• Review engineering cost estimates and help prepare responses to tenders. Manage risks and opportunities across the programme.
• Make sure work meets cybersecurity, safety, environmental, legal and regulatory rules, including intellectual property and export control.
• Encourage team engagement and clear communication between stakeholders who have different goals.

Requirements

• Strong leadership, plus a detailed understanding of complex software development and what drives its cost.
• Significant hands-on experience building highly complex software systems, and a solid background in hybrid organisations that combine standard product work with customer-specific requirements.
• Good knowledge of engineering processes and tools for large software solutions, including how architecture choices affect cost.
• The ability to assess and challenge engineering costs and understand what they mean for product development.
• Proven experience managing a product policy, including the tension between standardisation and project-specific work.
• Skill in handling competing priorities, settling project conflicts, negotiating and engaging stakeholders in complex international settings.
• Strong communication and analytical skills, sound judgement, and assertiveness. You can make independent decisions when needed and work well in a competitive, multitasking setting.
• A habit of continuous improvement, accountability, transparency and curiosity, along with support for teamwork, diversity and inclusion. You follow the company's values, policies and procedures, including health, safety and environmental rules.
• English good enough to communicate effectively in an international environment.
• Additional asset: knowledge of air traffic control solutions, including their capabilities and architecture.
• Additional asset: French.

Conditions

Based in Vélizy or Toulouse.

The Vélizy campus hosts many of the company's activities, in aerospace, defence and civil work. It is in west Paris and has up-to-date technology and services that help balance work and personal life.

The company welcomes all talent, including disabled candidates, and treats diversity as a strength.

Benefits

• A competitive pay package.
• Ongoing skills development through training paths, academies and internal communities.
• An inclusive, caring workplace that supports work-life balance.
• A recognised commitment to social and environmental responsibility.