Product and project management in European defence splits broadly into two tracks. At startups and SMEs, product managers typically own a single platform or capability end-to-end, working directly with engineers and military end users to shape roadmaps. At major primes like Rheinmetall, Thales or Leonardo, the role is more often called programme manager and involves coordinating multi-year delivery across subcontractors, certification bodies and government procurement offices. Both tracks require someone who can translate technical specifications into operational requirements for customers who think in capability terms, not features.
