Project Manager - NATO/Defense (ENG/ITA)

The Cyber & Security Division of Leonardo Belgium, part of the Leonardo group, focuses on mission-critical services for EU Agencies, NATO and space organizations.

Based in Brussels, our team operates at the heart of the European Institutions ecosystem, managing complex framework contracts and delivering high-impact projects in close coordination with our engineering and delivery teams across Europe.

We offer a dynamic and international environment where project management excellence, operational rigor, and collaboration are key to success.

We are looking for a results-driven, execution-focused, and experienced Project Manager to lead complex projects in NATO and defense-related environments, particularly in digital, cybersecurity and cloud domains, combining strong operational leadership with solid contractual and financial management skills.

The role requires the ability to operate effectively in structured, multicultural, and high-security environments, such as those found in NATO or other regulated contexts.

You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of projects and Specific Contracts in NATO and defense-related environments, ensuring on-time, on-budget and high-quality delivery, while acting as the primary point of contact for institutional clients, partners, and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• End‑to‑end project management of digital, cybersecurity and cloud initiatives, ensuring on‑time, on‑budget and high‑quality delivery

• Hands‑on coordination of daily operations, driving execution across cross‑functional internal teams and external contributors

• Contract and financial management, including T&M and fixed‑price models, change requests, variation orders, milestone payments, penalties, budgeting, cost control and forecasting

• Primary customer interface, ensuring clear communication, expectation management and strong client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle

• Management of partners and subcontractors, ensuring contractual compliance, alignment and quality of deliverables

• Risk and issue management, proactively identifying, assessing and mitigating technical, operational and contractual risks

• Structured reporting and documentation, including progress reports, KPIs, financial status, risks and project governance materials

• Support to bid and proposal activities, contributing to technical inputs, planning, cost estimation and overall submission quality

Required Experience

• 4+ years of experience as Project Manager in international, defense, aerospace, public, or similarly large/complex/regulated environments

• Experience managing projects for external clients of significant value (€5M+), including direct responsibility for financial management (budgeting, cost tracking, forecasting, margin monitoring) and use of cost control methodologies (e.g. Earned Value Management or equivalent)

• Experience delivering complex, high-criticality IT or cybersecurity programs in defense, NATO, or other high-security environments (e.g. cloud migration, digital transformation, cybersecurity initiatives), ideally with exposure to classified contexts

Education & Certifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. Engineering, Computer Sciences, Cybersecurity, Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, or other equivalent technical Degree)

• Practical knowledge of project management methodologies (PM², PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent), preferably supported by a certification

Key Skills

• Good understanding of digital, cyber, and cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP – conceptual/architectural level)

• Strong command of SAP, MS Project or Primavera, JIRA/Asana, and Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong knowledge of contractual frameworks (e.g. T&M, fixed price, amendments, change requests, variation orders, milestones)

• Strong financial acumen applied to project management (e.g. revenue recognition, invoicing, cash collection)

Personal attributes

• Hands-on, proactive, and execution-driven mindset

• High level of ownership, autonomy, and accountability

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client-facing skills

• Strong coordination and teamwork abilities in international environments

• Analytical, detail-oriented, and structured approach to reporting and governance

Languages

• English: C1 level

• Italian: B2/Working proficiency

Other requirements

• Availability to travel and work onsite at NATO facilities when required (Benelux area, most likely The Hague and Brussels)

• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance in accordance with NATO and EU regulations (e.g. EU SECRET / NATO SECRET)

Nice to have

• Experience with Agile frameworks (Scrum, SAFe)

• Previous experience in NATO, defense-related, or classified projects

• Previous possession of a national security clearance (NOS) is a strong asset

What we have to offer

• A strategic role at the core of high-impact EU projects in digital and cybersecurity

• A permanent contract with the internationally renowned company Leonardo, the Italian leader in Cyber Security

• A hybrid work model combining flexibility and on-site collaboration in Brussels

• Exposure to complex, large-scale projects involving international stakeholders

• A multicultural and collaborative environment with strong interaction across teams and countries, and opportunities for professional growth

• A supportive and inclusive work culture where innovation thrives and collaboration flourishes

• A competitive salary based on experience, skills, and industry requirements

If you are looking to be part of a dynamic team in a human scale structure, engage with the latest technologies, and contribute to innovative projects within the Cyber & Security Division at Leonardo Belgium, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our forward-thinking organization!