Lead Program Manager

SAAB is seeking a Lead Program Manager to drive complex manufacturing programs delivering advanced defense and security systems. In this role, you will own program scope, schedule, budget, and quality across the full lifecycle, coordinating engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams. You will translate customer and contract requirements into executable plans, manage risks and issues, oversee suppliers, and track KPIs for cost, schedule, and performance. You will foster collaboration in a high-tech, mission-driven environment, support continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with defense and safety standards while communicating clearly with global stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex manufacturing programs across full lifecycle from planning through delivery and sustainment
• Own program scope, schedule, budget, and quality metrics, reporting status to leadership and customers
• Coordinate cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality
• Translate customer, contract, and regulatory requirements into executable program plans
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issues with clear action plans
• Manage suppliers and partners to ensure on-time, on-budget, and compliant deliveries
• Track and analyze KPIs for cost, schedule, and technical performance, driving corrective actions
• Ensure adherence to defense, safety, and quality standards and Saab processes
• Drive continuous improvement in program execution, leveraging Lean and best practices
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture aligned with Saab's innovation and safety values

Required Skills

• Program management
• Manufacturing operations
• Defense/aerospace domain knowledge
• Budgeting and cost control
• Risk management
• Schedule management (Gantt/CPM)
• Stakeholder management
• Contract and vendor management
• Data and KPI analysis
• MS Project or similar PM tools