Innovation Project Manager

SAAB; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defense sector is seeking an Innovation Project Manager to lead technology-focused projects. This role involves managing the lifecycle of innovation initiatives, collaborating with universities and SMEs, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Ideal candidates will have a strong STEM background and proven project management skills, contributing to innovative solutions that keep society safe.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of project management experience.
• Strong understanding of innovation processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of innovation projects, ensuring timely delivery.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies relevant to Saab's business.

Skills

Creative problem solving

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Masters in a relevant STEM subject

Job description

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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 eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 24,000 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia.

Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace.

The Role

At Saab UK, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We're constantly seeking new ways to leverage cutting-edge technologies and develop solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

As Innovation Project Manager within the Innovation Programmes team, you'll be at the forefront of this exciting journey. Reporting to, and providing support to the Head of Innovation and Technology Partnerships, you'll manage the full lifecycle of innovation projects, from ideation to implementation, ensuring they deliver tangible value and contribute to Saab's strategic goals. Saab UK have a range of collaboration projects with universities, SMEs, and large industrial partners, as well internal collaboration projects within Saab. The projects are all technology focused, and range from AI and autonomy, to underwater vehicles.

The role will be based out of our Innovation Hub in White City, London.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Innovation & Technology Partnerships in the development and management of innovation and technology partnerships.
• Lead and manage a portfolio of innovation projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Communicate project status effectively to stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports.
• Identify relevant funding opportunities.
• Develop and refine project proposals, outlining clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies and trends relevant to Saab's business, identifying opportunities for innovation and new product development.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across Saab, including Engineering, Marketing & Sales, and other departments.
• Manage relationships with key external partners, including universities, SMEs, and research institutions, identifying opportunities for collaboration and leveraging their expertise. #

Experience & Qualifications

• Ability to adapt to change, learn new things quickly, and embrace ambiguity
• Creative problem solving
• Technical Acumen, with a background in STEM: While not needing to be a deep technical expert, a solid understanding of core technologies relevant to Saab's business would be very beneficial for evaluating project feasibility and communicating with technical teams.
• A genuine passion for innovation and a strong understanding of the innovation process.
• Proven experience managing complex technical projects, from ideation to implementation.
• 2 years+ excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• A Masters (MSc/Meng/other) in a relevant STEM subject.
• Experience working in a defence or security industry setting.
• Grant of Bid Writing Experience.
• Business Case Development.
• Influencing and negotiation skills.

Join us and make a real difference, keeping People and Society Safe!

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.

Regardless of whether you value cutting edge technology, creativity or an innovative environment, everyone at Saab contributes to keeping people and society safe.