Head of Programmes

Introduction:

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 22,000 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia.

Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace.

The Role:

The Head of Programmes – Sensor Systems UK is responsible for leadership, direction and line management of the team within Sensor Systems primarily responsible for Customer-facing interactions including Project- and Contract Management, OEM technical support and maintenance, and Training.  They have a secondary role supporting Marketing and Sales activity including trials, demonstrations, system integration, and the negotiation and execution of follow-on contracts relating to radar business with the UK MoD.

Reporting directly to the VP – Director of Sensor Systems, the position is part of the Sensor Systems UK Management Team, alongside Head of Production and Head of Engineering, and also collaborates with the Gothenburg-based Head of Programs - Surface Sensor Solutions for relevant projects.

Main Tasks:

• Programme-level management of Sensor Systems UK projects, including oversight and direction of the Project Managers, responsible for contract delivery, health and profitability, and intervention when required;
• Prioritisation, direction and management of support requests from the Customer (UK MoD, Royal Navy, Army and RAF), wider Saab (UK and AB) and other industry partners relating to FSR support, integration, training, demonstrations and trials;
• Input to RFIs, tenders, bids, negotiations, contracts and TAFs as they relate to deliverability and OEM support;
• Reporting financial information relating to project progress (including P&L) and prospects (including OI and sales forecasts) into Sensor Systems UK for consolidation.

The Candidate:

Essential

• Have strong project management skills with a capability to drive projects from Contract Award to delivery and through-life support.
• Experience of negotiation, leadership and industry engagement.
• Analytic and strategic skills to identify and develop solutions to future requirements.
• Have strong ability to establish and maintain internal and customer relations.
• Fluent in English, other languages are desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Able to obtain UK Security Clearance up to SC.
• During your employment you will handle tasks and materials that are classed as military secrets and therefore you must have a UK or Swedish citizenship.

Preferred

• Military background with an existing network of contacts, particularly within the Army (especially the Royal Artillery) and the wider MoD would be an advantage.
• An understanding of the UK MoD’s procurement processes.
• Knowledge of radar systems.

Personal Qualities

The candidate should:

• Be a motivated and critical thinking individual.
• Be capable of working alone and arranging their own workload.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills at a senior level, while being able to lead the Programmes team and gain the support of other areas of Saab.