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Project Manager
Project Manager – BlueBear Business Unit (Bedfordshire)
Introduction
Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, combining Swedish and British innovation. We deliver world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security—keeping people and society safe. With over 600 employees across eight UK sites, our expertise spans software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.
What You Will Be Part Of
Saab is a leading defence and security company, committed to safeguarding nations through innovation.
- Driven by 28,000 talented professionals, we push technological boundaries to create a safer and more sustainable world
- Design, manufacture, and maintain advanced systems in:
- Aeronautics
- Weapons
- Command & control
- Sensors
- Underwater systems
- Global operations with a strong focus on domestic defence capabilities in multiple nations
The Role
This Project Manager position is part of our BlueBear Business Unit in Bedfordshire.
The role oversees the strategic execution and delivery of multiple projects—ranging from fast-paced research and rapid prototyping to larger development and system integration initiatives. Success is measured by: ✔ On Time Delivery ✔ Budget Control ✔ Revenue targets ✔ Rigorous quality and safety standards
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery & Experimentation
- Accountable for delivering assigned projects (both internally and customer-funded) with On Time, On Cost, and Quality (OTOCOQ) execution
- Manage complex hardware development lifecycles, emphasising:
- Concept generation
- Experimentation
- Rapid prototyping
- Develop mature plans and drive proactive delivery through daily status updates
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Leadership & Strategy
- Provide function and team leadership, mentoring project leads across the organisation
- Align project execution with business objectives and the Product Maturity Roadmap
- Train and develop cross-functional project teams
Financial Accountability
- Oversee budget management for assigned projects
- Ensure revenue targets are met through optimal resource deployment and cost control
Bids and Proposals
- Manage bid and proposal activities, including:
- Budget tracking
- Resource planning
- Bid writing
- Technical project input
- Ensure on-time, high-quality submissions
Stakeholder & Supply Chain Engagement
- Act as the primary customer contact for assigned projects, focusing on customer satisfaction and repeat business
- Manage supply chain activities, including:
- Delivery timelines
- Supplier relationships
- Negotiations
Process Improvement
- Support functional leads in introducing new processes, tools, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including:
- Defining and tracking KPIs and metrics
- Standardising project workflows
Resource & Risk Management
- Handle resource planning, allocation, and conflict resolution
- Conduct comprehensive project scheduling, risk assessment, and mitigation
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Note: Some UK-wide travel may be required.
Qualifications and Skills
Essential
- Prince 2 or equivalent certification in Project Management
- Proven experience managing projects from:
- Fast-paced research → Complex hardware lifecycles → System integration
- Demonstrated ability to:
- Drive concept development and rapid prototyping
- Navigate experimentation-driven environments (e.g., unmanned/aerospace systems)
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong expertise in:
- Financial management
- Risk assessment
- Concurrent engineering practices
- Excellent leadership skills with experience:
- Mentoring and training cross-functional teams
- Aligning projects with strategic business goals
- Outstanding communication skills for:
- Managing customer relationships
- Supporting bid submissions
- Presenting technical metrics & KPIs to senior stakeholders
Desirable
- Familiarity with Civil and Military Aviation regulations (CAA, MAA, EASA) and industry standards
- Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC level)
Security Note
By applying, you consent to workforce screening, which may include:
- Baseline Personnel Security checks
- National Security Vetting
- Reference checks
- Verification of working rights
- Security interviews (applied to preferred candidates)
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