Chief Operating Officer - COO

at  Saab Inc

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 17% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia.
At Saab, we place equal value on what we do and how we do it. We lead by example and our core values of Trust, Drive and Expertise are fundamental to us.
Job Summary:
We are currently looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO), who will be a key member of the senior management team, reporting into the Group MD. The COO role is focused on driving the maturity, effective and efficient internal operations of the Company and extensive and sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate has significant and diverse experience in the full spectrum of business leadership and the ability to drive significant organisational maturity and change across a cross functional international stakeholder community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working with the Group MD, align operational initiatives with Company strategy and business goals.
• Leadership of functions, not limited to Procurement, Project Management, Risk Management, Facilities/Site Management.
• Work closely with the Group MD and CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, ensuring alignment with the Company’s financial goals.
• Functional Oversight of Operations’ major and critical programmes and projects.
• Lead cost improvement initiatives to drive improved operational performance and cost efficiencies.
• Develop business cases to drive tech transfer and growth.
• Develop operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure the Company complies with relevant regulations, industry standards and ISO accreditations.
• Identify potential risks to the Company and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure a robust contingency plan is in place for business continuity.

We are a growing organisation, and therefore we expect the role and responsibilities of the COO to adapt with the Business need.

Essential Skills/Experience/Personal Attributes:

• Bachelor degree in Business Management or related discipline (MBA/Masters preferred).
• Experience (10+ years) in a senior executive role, with a proven track record of operational leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of corporate operations, project management, procurement, strategic planning, and business development.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Ideally, previous experience in the Defence industry.
• Proven success in driving large-scale operational improvements and change management initiatives.
• Excellent cultural awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
• Energy, vision and passion for achievement.

• Working with the Group MD, align operational initiatives with Company strategy and business goals.
• Leadership of functions, not limited to Procurement, Project Management, Risk Management, Facilities/Site Management.
• Work closely with the Group MD and CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, ensuring alignment with the Company’s financial goals.
• Functional Oversight of Operations’ major and critical programmes and projects.
• Lead cost improvement initiatives to drive improved operational performance and cost efficiencies.
• Develop business cases to drive tech transfer and growth.
• Develop operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure the Company complies with relevant regulations, industry standards and ISO accreditations.
• Identify potential risks to the Company and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure a robust contingency plan is in place for business continuity