Vice President, General Manager - Autonomous and Underwater Systems; AUS

Job Overview

Saab Inc. is seeking a results‑driven and dynamic executive to serve as Vice President and General Manager of its Autonomous and Underwater Systems (AUS) division. Saab Inc. AUS is the market leader in Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) for Anti‑Submarine Warfare (ASW) training and has a rapidly growing portfolio in UxVs for Mine Counter Measures, long‑range surveillance, and other missions on and below the surface of our oceans.

The VP/GM role is accountable for the overall performance, strategic direction, and long‑term growth of the company’s Naval portfolio, with delegated local P&L responsibility and alignment to Saab’s global Business Area Naval objectives. This role reports directly to the CEO of Saab Inc. Saab operates a global management matrix organization where the local executive has delegated responsibility from the relevant global Business Area for the efficient and effective execution of the local business within the defined area of responsibility.

• Oversight and execution of Saab’s BA Naval portfolio in the US market in compliance with all applicable local and global processes and standards.
• Develop a team of highly skilled and motivated managers and employees aligned to the Saab Vision, Mission, Values, and executing in accordance with the Saab Inc. strategic plan.
• Oversee the development and stand‑up of new AUS manufacturing and engineering operations including construction, industrialization, startup, and recruitment.
• Develop a long‑term US growth strategy, aligned with the global BA Naval business strategy, that efficiently leverages a balance of global and local capability to deliver a differentiated value proposition in defined niche markets.
• Effectively manage the financial performance of local operations in support of the global Business Area and Business Units, while leveraging the U.S. corporation resources to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Establish and manage a culture of operational excellence and accountability across the AUS division.
• Set clear expectations and establish performance targets for the local team and deliver on set targets.
• Effectively serve as the senior local executive for the AUS portfolio.
• Develop and manage senior‑level internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Develop and manage a culture and program of Health and Safety priority within the AUS facilities.
• Effectively integrate, serve, and support as key executive member of the Saab Inc. leadership team.
• Participate in Corporate, Business Area, and Business Unit leadership and management forums as required.
• Effectively manage the local Saab brand and represent Saab in local political, community, and industrial engagements.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or related discipline is required.
• MBA/ Master’s degree desirable.
• 20+ years of progressive leadership experience with proven track record of success in leading relevant industry or DoD mid to large size organizations.
• Prior U.S. Military experience and/or a strong, relevant customer network is highly desired.
• Prior experience with new start manufacturing operations in an A&D environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow business in relevant U.S. Defense markets.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enjoys building new relationships.
• Visionary, driven, innovative and takes initiative without being asked.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and strong leadership skills.
• Ability to work well independently, as well as collaboratively in a geographically distributed team setting.

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.

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.

Commensurate with Experience. The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors…