Programme Support Officer (IPT)

About us

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fueled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

About the opportunity

GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for governments and original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to be better in everything we do.

We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do.

The role purpose

As a Programme Support Officer, you will provide support to a strategic programme to grow our Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development and manufacturing capabilities for the Defence market, working alongside senior leaders within our Defence business.  Your location will be at the GKN Fokker Aerospace B.V. site in Hoogeveen, The Netherlands.

You will support the senior leadership team responsible for delivery of the strategic programme with a range of project-based activities including administration, controls, monitoring and reporting throughout execution of the programme, so experience of performing this type of role on similar projects/programmes is essential.

You will be part of a high-performing, cross-functional integrated programme team (IPT) comprising some of the most skilled experts from across GKN Aerospace’s global network, all dedicated to delivering world-class Defence UAV capability.

Job responsibilities

Support the senior leadership team with a range of project-based activities during execution of the programme:

• Provide general control and monitoring of progress, scope, costs and resource management and allocation for the programme


• Own and maintain the programme Integrated Master Schedule through liaison with programme workstream leads and other stakeholders. Monitor and report on progress against key milestones and activities


• Own and maintain the programme Risk and Opportunities Register through liaison with programme workstream leads and other stakeholders. Monitor and report on progress against key management activities


• Own and maintain programme metrics and KPIs based on inputs from programme workstream leaders including the preparation of weekly and monthly reports for the senior leadership team


• Support and facilitate the timely flow of data between programme workstreams to ensure all members of the IPT have access to the most up to date information


• Support the preparation of programme documentation and ensure robust document control across the programme


• Support the preparation, coordination, and delivery of change proposals


• Assist in preparing estimates and business cases as required.


• Carry out and / or coordination related tasks requested by the programme senior leadership team

This role may require occasional travel between GKN facilities in the Netherlands, UK and Sweden

Person specification

• Able to work as part of a high performing team, navigate challenges with stakeholders and deliver results, whilst contributing to team morale;


• Able to demonstrate interpersonal, negotiation, organisational and effective communication skills, including emotional intelligence

  Experience, skills and formal qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor-level working and thinking ability, preferably a completed HBO degree;


• Demonstrable project support experience within an engineering / manufacturing environment;


• Must possess good knowledge in the fundamentals of project management and controls


• Must be proficient in Microsoft Project and Office applications;


• Excellent communication skills, able to adapt communication style depending on the stakeholder and situation;


• Drive and energy, with the ability to constructively influence the team;


• Readiness to take action, with the ability to distinguish between important vs. less important, and urgent vs. less urgent;


• Proficient in Dutch and English, both spoken and written

 We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

What's in it for you?

Besides an innovative and international work environment that offers you a good work-life balance
We offer you opportunities to learn and grow, a competitive salary J-K-L1 (MetalElectro), pension plan, 29 vacation days / 13 ADV days and travel allowance (from 10 km single journey) as well.

Interested?

Are you interested and/or do you have questions? Feel free to contact Tamara Bottenberg via [email protected] 

For this vacancy, we have a preferred candidate