Program Director

SAAB is seeking a Program Director to lead complex manufacturing programs delivering advanced defense and security systems. In this role, you will own program strategy, schedule, budget, and quality from concept through delivery, coordinating engineering, production, supply chain, and quality teams. You will manage customer and stakeholder communications, drive risk and issue resolution, and ensure compliance with defense and safety standards. The Program Director will champion Saab's innovative, mission-driven culture while mentoring teams, improving processes, and enabling successful execution of global, high-tech programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategy, planning, and execution of complex defense manufacturing programs
• Own program scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets, ensuring on-time, on-cost delivery
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality
• Manage customer expectations, communications, and contract performance
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issues using structured methodologies
• Ensure compliance with defense, safety, and quality standards and internal governance
• Develop and track KPIs, financial performance, and progress reporting to leadership
• Drive continuous improvement in program delivery, processes, and tools
• Mentor and guide project managers and team leads to build delivery excellence
• Support business growth through program strategy input, bids, and proposals

Required Skills

• Program management
• Manufacturing operations
• Budgeting and cost control
• Risk management
• Defense/aerospace compliance
• Cross-functional leadership
• Contract management
• Schedule management (MS Project or similar)
• Data-driven reporting and KPIs
• Stakeholder and customer management