Program Manager

At Neways, you can lead complex programs from strategy to sustainable value and create impact in the electronics industry by aligning business strategy, operating companies and execution.

Summary

As a Program Manager, you are responsible for defining, directing and realizing complex, strategic programs that consist of multiple interrelated projects across several Operating Companies (OCs) within Neways. You translate business and corporate strategy into executable programs and ensure benefits realization across the full value chain.

You operate at the intersection of business, technology and organization. Rather than focusing on individual project delivery, you manage dependencies, governance, risks and value creation at program and portfolio level. You guide senior stakeholders, program boards and steering committees, and ensure alignment between Business Lines, OCs and corporate objectives.

Your role is characterized by high ambiguity: evolving strategies, unclear scopes, developing markets and industrialization paths that are still under construction. You provide direction, structure and stability in this complexity, while enabling teams to perform and deliver.

This is what we offer you

In this role, we offer a senior, strategic position in a dynamic and financially healthy high-tech environment. You will have a direct impact on the long-term success of Neways by shaping and directing programs that define future capabilities, markets and value creation.

We offer an appealing and competitive compensation package that reflects your seniority and impact including a lease car, performance bonus, and strong additional benefits.

You will operate close to Management and Board level, with significant autonomy, influence and responsibility. We offer a professional, collegial environment with room for initiative, leadership and continuous development.

This is what you bring to the team

You are a senior leader who thrives in complexity and ambiguity. You combine strategic thinking with execution power and are able to align people, structure and direction across organizational boundaries.

You communicate with impact at all levels of the organization, address resistance constructively and lead change with confidence. You take ownership, act with integrity and serve as ambassador for program-level maturity and culture development.

Additionally, we require:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (HBO/WO) in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or similar, or MBA

• 10+ years of experience, including leading multiple complex projects and programs in the high-tech or electronics industry (EMS, OEM, or R&D environment)

• Experience operating in a multi-operating companies, matrix-driven or international environment

• Proven experience with portfolio alignment, governance and benefits realization

• Experience with NPI processes, product launches, industrialization, and customer projects

• Knowledge of PCB, electronics assembly, embedded systems, mechatronics, or related domains

• Certification in IPMA B or C (with B-level experience) is an advantage

• Proficient in tools such as MS Project, Jira, ERP, and PLM systems

• Willingness to travel as required by the role

• Excellent command of English; additional languages are a plus

• Ability to operate at Management and Board level

Your daily responsibilities include

Program Leadership

• Define and structure strategic programs consisting of multiple complex projects

• Translate business and corporate strategy into program roadmaps and execution plans

• Establish and lead program governance, decision-making and escalation structures

• Oversee program progress, risks, interdependencies and benefits realization

• Ensure end-to-end accountability from concept through industrialization and value delivery

Strategic and Commercial Responsibility

• Align program objectives with business goals, portfolio priorities and financial targets

• Steer business cases, investments and resource allocation across OCs

• Balance technical feasibility, industrial capability and commercial viability

• Contribute to strategic customer programs, partnerships and long-term agreements

• Support business development and strategic decision-making at Business Line level

Stakeholder & Governance Management

• Act as senior interface between Management, Board, Business Lines and OCs

• Communicate and align program status with the customer

• Lead Program Boards and Steering Committees

• Manage complex internal and external stakeholder landscapes

• Ensure transparent reporting, decision support and escalation to board level

• Align diverse interests across technical, organizational and cultural boundaries

Leadership and Coaching

• Provide strategic, indirect leadership to multiple project managers and teams

• Lead dispersed, multidisciplinary teams across OCs without direct authority

• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration and value-oriented thinking

• Coach project and program leaders on governance, complexity and leadership maturity

• Act as role model for transformational leadership and program-level working

Process Improvement & Methodology

• Apply and further develop program and portfolio management standards

• Use methodologies such as IPMA, MSP, Portfolio Management and Lean Six Sigma

• Strengthen PMO and program management maturity across the organization

• Embed benefits realization, risk management and governance practices structurally