Work with cutting edge technology, making the world a safer and more secure place. DroneShield (ASX:DRO) offers an opportunity to solve some of world's most challenging technical problems in the Electronic Warfare, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, RF sensing, Sensor Fusion and distributed systems. Working with high profile customers across militaries, government agencies, airports, critical infrastructure, law enforcement and many others.
With one of the largest listed defence company market capitalisations in Australia and having raised approximately $250m in 2024 alone, DroneShield is undergoing hypergrowth stage, fuelled by rapidly increasing use of drones for nefarious applications, from battlefield, to terrorism, to contraband delivery and commercial espionage.
About the role
This newly created position will lead the establishment and long-term scaling of DroneShield's European operations. Reporting to the COO based in Sydney, Australia, the European Operations Manager will be responsible for setting up and managing the EU Sales Office and Assembly Facility. The role spans end-to-end oversight of production, logistics, supply chain management, quality assurance, and general operational strategy.
This is a hands-on leadership role, directly managing the day-to-day operations of the European team, ensuring efficient assembly workflows, coordinating supplier and logistics networks, and providing responsive operational support to the EU Sales team.
Responsibilities, Duties and Expectations
- Lead, grow, and continuously improve European operations across:
- Strategic Operations: In-house and outsourced manufacturing, inventory, procurement, logistics, and quality assurance
- Technical Operations: Product QA, project delivery, customer support, and test & evaluation
- General Operations: Office administration, IT infrastructure, and Quality Management System (QMS) oversight
- Build and lead a high-performing local operations team
- Develop and maintain the EU Operations Roadmap, identifying and planning for growth opportunities, partnerships, and risk mitigation strategies
- Collaborate with Sales, Legal, AUS operations, and Finance teams to ensure alignment, manage risks, and support execution of business and technical strategies
- Implement clear, effective operational procedures and ensure they are adhered to
- Establish and track KPIs across production, delivery, and customer support to drive continuous improvement
- Work closely with Finance to optimise inventory tracking, shipping, invoicing, and contribute to ERP system implementation
- Oversee end-to-end program management — from technical engagement through to installation, maintenance, and ongoing support
- Develop a deep understanding of DroneShield's technical and commercial offering to deliver high-quality outcomes for customers
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers across diverse technical and cultural backgrounds
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
- Background in high-technology industries, ideally defence, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing
- Degree-qualified in engineering, science, or a related discipline
- Proven senior leadership experience (COO or equivalent) in a fast-growing, high-tech R&D and manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience with ISO 9001 QMS (ISO 27001 exposure is a strong advantage)
- Strong team leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- High level of self-motivation, responsibility, and operational discipline
- Candidates must currently reside in the Netherlands or Belgium and have unrestricted working rights.
Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.
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