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:
In close collaboration with Saab Australia and Saab Inc in USA, the Director for AUKUS and the Naval domain will be responsible for developing and leading the strategic vision for the Saab’s defence business, focusing on sales growth opportunities related to the AUKUS Pillar 2 partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This senior leader will advise on the Company's existing defence products within the AUKUS objectives, while identifying and driving future product development initiatives through research and development (R&D), maximising the opportunities to leverage our strong technical base in Sweden. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in international defence and security partnerships, a proven ability to negotiate long-term agreements, and deep knowledge of defence technologies, export controls, and regulatory frameworks across the UK, US, and Australia.
This position will provide strategic oversight for the Company’s Naval portfolio and be responsible for sales growth and new orders in the Naval portfolio, working closely with Saab UK’s Sales and Marketing team.
Key Responsibilities:
AUKUS
1. Strategic Vision and Leadership:
- In close collaboration with Saab AUS and Saab Inc, develop and execute a comprehensive AUKUS strategic plan for the Company’s growth under the AUKUS Pillar 2, identifying key sales opportunities and R&D initiatives.
- Develop and leverage executive level relationships and influence to drive alignment in Pillar 2 investments and initiatives across UK, AUS and USA. Avoid duplication of effort and maintain the “big picture” and global strategy for AUKUS.
- Design, establish and drive Saab Group Governance and operating model for pursuing AUKUS opportunities to ensure integrated approach.
- Leverage the Company’s existing international defence product portfolio to capture market opportunities in AUKUS Pillar 2, while guiding future product development to meet the emerging needs of the defence sector within AUKUS.
- Ensure alignment of the Company’s strategic objectives with international defence and security priorities, particularly across the UK, US, and Australia. Ensure the resultant strategy is endorsed by Saab Group Management.
2. Product and Market Development:
- Identify and prioritize growth opportunities for current and future defence technologies, particularly in areas related to artificial intelligence (AI), hypersonic missiles, quantum technologies, and electronic warfare.
- Provide input into R&D efforts to ensure the development of cutting-edge products that meet the future defence needs of AUKUS partners.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, product development, and R&D in Saab Sweden, UK, AUS and US to drive innovation aligned with AUKUS defence requirements.
- Partner extensively with the Saab UK VP for Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment with Saab M&S processes.
3. Partnerships and Government Relations:
- Build and maintain high-level relationships with key defence and Government officials in the UK, and partner with Saab Australia and Saab Inc in the USA in support of this strategy.
- Advocate for the Company’s capabilities in strategic forums, ensuring alignment with defence and security strategies for the Indo-Pacific region.
- Represent the Company in key defence trade and industry events, cultivating strong relationships with senior Government, military, and industry leaders.
4. International Defence Expertise:
- Apply a deep understanding of defence and security challenges and priorities for the UK, US, and Australia, especially within the Indo-Pacific.
- Provide thought leadership on key global defence trends, including international security partnerships, military capabilities, and future defence needs.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Export Control:
- Design, establish and drive Saab Group’s governance and operating model for pursuing AUKUS opportunities to ensure an integrated approach.
- Have a strong understanding of defence trade regulations, export control and restrictions across UK, US and Australia and integrate this knowledge into product development and sales strategies.
NAVAL
Provide strategic oversight on the Company’s Naval portfolio, with a focus on seabed warfare. Understand the Royal Navy’s near and long-term requirements and support Saab to offer solutions to emerging requirements. Be responsible for sales growth and new orders in the Naval portfolio, working closely with Saab UK’s Sales and Marketing team. Increase the standing and perception of Saab UK at senior levels of the Royal Navy.
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Provide leadership to cross-functional teams, aligning efforts towards achieving strategic sales and R&D goals.
- Mentor and develop junior executives, fostering a high-performing team culture focused on innovation, growth, and compliance.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role, within the defence or security sectors.
- Strong background in international defence and security partnerships, with a focus on multinational agreements (e.g., AUKUS, NATO, or other defence alliances).
- Extensive knowledge of defence and security challenges and priorities in the Indo-Pacific, particularly for the UK, US, and Australia.
- In-depth understanding of defence-related technologies, including AI, hypersonic, quantum technologies, electronic warfare, and related research areas.
- Demonstrated experience in negotiating and securing long-term international contracts for defence products and services.
- Strong knowledge of defence export controls and regulations across the UK, US, and Australia.
- Proven ability to build strong, strategic relationships with government and military stakeholders.
- Advanced degree in International Relations, Defence Studies, Security Policy, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience working within the NATO environment or with similar international defence coalitions.
- Direct involvement in high-level defence trade agreements or government contracts.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic thinking with the ability to align business objectives with global defence trends.
- Strong leadership and ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
- Expert negotiator with proven success in securing high-value international contracts.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster relationships across governments, industry, and military entities.