Project Manager - Land Systems (Barracuda)

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.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Project Manager to join the Land Systems operating division, as part of Saab UK. Land Systems is expanding its footprint in the UK, and growing a strong, high-performing team to execute effectively a wide range of projects.

This role is focused on delivering market leading signature management solutions which are critical for the protection and survivability of the UK’s armed forces. You will report to the Head of Programmes for Land Systems and take functional direction from the Head of Barracuda UK.

The role of Project Manager offers opportunities to work with stimulating and challenging projects, alongside talented and dedicated co-workers. This is an exciting opportunity in an area with excellent growth prospects that will play an important role in Saab’s growth journey in the UK.

Our standard is high: perfect contract fulfilment to add to Saab’s strong reputation with its customers as a responsive and reliable supplier.

The Role:

The successful candidate will have responsibility for the day-to-day project management of UK contracts for Saab’s Barracuda products from contract award, through contract execution to contract closure. This will require the detailed management of projects, with internal and external stakeholders in UK and Sweden, supply chain partners and associated quality aspects, ensuring timely delivery, risk management, quality output, margin delivery and stakeholder satisfaction. This is a role that offers exposure to a broad range of business functions, facilitating subsequent career progression.

The role will involve working closely with Saab’s Barracuda Business Unit in Sweden and the UK Land Systems team to ensure full oversight of the supply-chain contracting process, production process through to delivery logistics of finished products to customers and ensuring time, cost, quality and scope standards are met throughout.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of and enthusiasm for project management principles.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, take ownership of and manage project plans, budgets, and resources to ensure timely and quality delivery of Saab products.
• Develop and implement risk and opportunity management plans to mitigate potential issues and ensure project success.
• Monitor and report to senior management and stakeholders on project performance, including progress against plans, costs, risks, issues and opportunity management.
• Optimise milestone achievement to:
  • Deliver a successful project for customers and for Saab.
  • Support project cash flow, liaising closely with Finance colleagues.
  • Ensure logistics is delivered to time and cost.
• Manage and nurture high-performing relationships with partners (both internal and external), vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and effective collaboration throughout the supply chain process.
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels with cross-functional teams to ensure collaboration and alignment on project goals and objectives.
• Management of the supply chain to ensure products meet company standards and customer expectations.
• Work with Saab’s Export Control Manager(s) to ensure strict adherence to:
  • Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Projects policies and processes and;
  • HMRC policies and processes.
• Liaise with customers to ensure high customer satisfaction.
• Support Business Development activities, as required.
• Seek opportunities for continuous process improvement in the execution of the project management discipline.
• Show flexibility by providing support, as needed, to project management, or related activities, for other Business Units.

Qualifications and other attributes:

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently in a fast-paced, high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage time, cost, quality and scope effectively.
• Track record of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Prince 2 Practitioner qualification, or equivalent.
• Competent in the use of MS Project and the wider MS Office suite.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of common project management methodologies, e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, Waterfall and Agile.
• Competent in the management of information.
• Candidates must hold a UK driving licence and have a car available for business use.

During your employment you may handle tasks and materials that are classed as military secrets and therefore:

• You must have UK citizenship.
• This position will require you to conduct and receive necessary SC Clearance.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience of the defence sector.
• Experience in managing high-value projects.
• APM Risk Management (or equivalent).
• Experience in working productively across cultures, e.g. working in close partnership in a multi-national organisation.
• Experience of effective prioritisation and time management.
• Knowledge of export control, customs regulations and duty tariffs.
• Management of customer engagement events and demonstrations.

Location:

The location of the Project Manager role is not fixed to any specific Saab site and is subject for agreement with the selected candidate. If not located within close proximity to an existing Saab office, the role may involve home working.

The role will involve frequent domestic travel in the UK; such as to Saab premises and to visit  customer representatives, partners and suppliers as the need arises, and occasional travel abroad, predominantly to Sweden.

If you have the skills and experience that we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity to join our high-performing team as a Project Manager in the Land Systems Division.