Job Description

About the role

The Product Owner: Defense Communciation is accountable for the strategic, operational, and financial leadership of a portfolio of advanced defense electronics products. The role ensures full lifecycle ownership from concept through delivery and sustainment aligned to business objectives, technical excellence, and customer requirements.
This position carries full Profit and Loss (P&L) accountability, leads systems engineering and product teams, and drives cross-functional collaboration to enable sustainable growth, innovation, and competitive positioning within the defense market.

Qualifications and experience required:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics, Mechanical, or related field).
- Master’s degree or MBA will be advantageous.
- Proven experience within the defense or high-technology industry.
- Proven track record in leading cross-functional engineering and product teams.
- Strong background in systems engineering and complex defense product development is advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience working with international customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Technical skills required:
- Strong analytical capability with advanced problem-solving skills in complex environments.
- Demonstrated ability in systems thinking and product design oversight.
- Commercial and business acumen with a proven ability to translate technical strategy into financial outcomes.
- Ability to build and sustain high-performing, cross-functional relationships across departments.
- Proven leadership capability in mentoring and coaching.
- Strong technical and business communication and writing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively within regulatory frameworks while driving innovation.
- Demonstrated capability to manage ambiguity, complexity, and non-standard problem scenarios.

Key responsibilities:

1. Product strategy development and fulfillment
2. Financial and budgetary accountability
3. Client relationship management
4. Technical and commercial management
5. People leadership

Our recruitment values:

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 25 May 2026.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV by applying directly on the HENSOLDT Careers page.

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.