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Saab Global
Installation in HQ

Director, Program Management

Home Office MI, Home Office AL, Home Office FL, Grayling MI or Home Office DC,
United States of America
Closing date: 31 January 2025

Job Description:

Saab's Land Systems division is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented Program Director.  The Program Director will be responsible for the following efforts: create and lead a transition of technology program in support of the Precision Fires Portfolio, lead the development of a replacement rocket motor, and lead the development of a marinization of a ground based missile. This role will be critical in ensuring the continued production and growth of a complex, primarily defense related product. The successful candidate will also hire and manage its personnel and ensure successful program/project execution within a demanding timeline and budget. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Precision Fires this Program Director will lead three main  development efforts using their technical leadership ability, organizational skills, and knowledge of program/project management principles and concepts. The candidate must have significant missile development experience, excellent interpersonal attributes, financial acumen, and strong communication skills. To be successful in this role, the Program director must demonstrate expertise across a broad range of missile development, production process, tooling, test equipment, sub-contract management, and facilities management in a defense industry environment.

Responsibilities will include but may not be limited to the following:

  • Develop and execute transfer of technology (ToT) program from Sweden to the USA including ensuring US ITAR and Swedish IPS laws are adhered too, advising on requirements for a new manufacturing site, setting up a supply chain, engineering and manufacturing elements, including tooling, processes, and staffing.

  • Integrate capability growth, ToT and global marketing efforts into a unified strategy that ensures the long-term viability of the program and positions it for new business growth.

  • Develop and execute capability growth and obsolescence management roadmap for the ground based missile system including a short term rocket motor replacement program. This effort will require intense coordination between three companies, Saab Inc., Saab AB and Boeing.

  • Develop and manage product development priorities by coordinating with stakeholders, customers, programs, business development, engineering, operations, manufacturing, both internal and external. This will include a development of requirements and practical applications to ensure both ground and maritime environments.

  • Effectively develop and manage relationships and cooperation with industry partners and customers.

  • Ensure strategy alignment with execution of current US Air Force contract and US Army marketing campaign.

  • Hire, train, mentor, and grow Program Management and leadership team.

  • Set clear expectations and establish performance targets for the program/project team and deliver on those objectives.

  • Effectively manage the financial performance of the assigned local operations.

  • Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

  • Interface with Contracts, Finance, CM, QA, ILS, and purchasing organizations across multiple Saab sites.

  • Manage a multitude of support activities that may stem across multiple programs.

  • Ability to travel up to 25%, both international and domestic and potential relocation within two years.

Compensation Range: $176,700-$234,100

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelors degree in an Engineering, Business or related discipline is required. Master's degree/MBA is preferred.

  • 25+ years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in missile related development, production programs/project management.

  • Experience transitioning the production of products from one location to another.

  • Experience in Risk and Opportunity management.

  • Experience with Land Systems, programs, and customer applications is required, experience with Direct commercial and Foreign Military Sales is a plus.

  • Experience with various federal contracting processes to include EVMS, ECP/RFV, FAR, OTAs, SAPs, CRADAs, WPP, etc.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Excellent organization and time management skills, attention to detail while tracking multiple interdependent functions, and ability to follow-up action items and requests.

  • Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, possess a strong work ethic and constant desire to learn.

  • Must hold or be able to obtain U.S. DoD SECRET security clearance, TS/SCI is a plus.

  • Ability to effectively multi-task and work well in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong business acumen and effectiveness working well with all levels of people in the organization.

  • Willingness to model positive behaviors and do what is needed to help make an effort succeed.

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits:

  • Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents

  • Paid time off including: minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability

  • 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match

  • Tuition assistance

  • Student loan assistance

  • Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs

  • Employee stock purchase program with employer match

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.