Interim Deputy Managing Director

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 600 people across nine sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us .

The Role:

Due to business needs, we we require someone who is able to start immediately - maximum 6 weeks notice.

This a 12 month Fixed Term Contract role, part of our Saab Seaeye Underwater Robotics Business in Fareham.

The Interim Deputy Managing Director will provide Strategic, Operational and Cultural Leadership across all functions of the Seaeye business. This role is accountable for driving sustainable growth, expanding into new markets and leading organisational change to position the company for long term success. The role will oversee Operational Excellence, Commercial performance and drive a high-performing, collaborative culture aligned with Saab's global values.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute the company's newly developed strategy to drive revenue growth and profitability across existing and new markets.

Support the transformation plans created by Seaeye's leadership team and deliver success.

Proactively manage business risks, including operational, commercial and strategic risks.

Maintain strong governance practices and uphold the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.

Strengthen brand positioning and reputation in existing and target markets.

Lead cultural and organisational change programmes that support business growth.

Build leadership capability at all levels, fostering accountability, trust and high performance.

Champion digital transformation, introducing systems and tools that improve productivity and data-driven decision‑making.

Maintain full P&L accountability, ensuring strong financial performance and disciplined cost control.

Present financial and operational updates to the Executive Team with transparency and strategic insight.

Create a positive, inclusive and a high‑performance culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Mentor and develop the Senior Leadership Team, reviewing succession planning and talent development for future leaders.

Promote employee engagement, wellbeing and a values-led working environment.

Skills and Experience:

Proven experience in leading organisational change

Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives. A demonstrated ability to think long-term while managing short-term objectives.

Strong understanding of the defence sector, including key players, technological trends and regulatory requirements. Experience in defence technologies is highly desirable.

In-depth experience in identifying, developing and deploying engineering solutions. A strong understanding of current and emerging technologies.

A strategic vision and the ability to turn ideas into practical, scalable outcomes.

Strong understanding of business operations and financial principles

Positive and engaging leadership style which is supportive and aligned with Saab's culture

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview