Learn more about this exciting opportunity
Significant Opportunity
Canada represents one of Saab's priority markets, marking a significant opportunity for growth and collaboration.
Unique Position
You will have the unique chance to lead this charge, ensuring that Saab’s world-leading capabilities are recognized and leveraged effectively within the Canadian market, ultimately reinforcing its purpose of enhancing the safety and security of Canadians across various environmental commands and specialized entities.
Influential Role
As a leader in a core strategic region, you will have the opportunity to influence not only the future of Saab in Canada but also contribute to the broader narrative of innovation and excellence in defense technology on a global scale.
President @ SAAB Canada
Company: SAAB Canada
Position: President
Location: Ottawa, ON
Saab is a global defense and security company dedicated to its mission of keeping people and society safe. Their rich history, rooted in the Wallenberg family and the industrial revolution, traces its beginnings emerged to provide advanced fighter jets amid escalating political tensions in Europe. Over the decades, Saab has continuously evolved and adapted. While briefly involved in automobile manufacturing, their primary focus shifted decisively to defense in the mid-1980s. Since divesting automotive operations in the mid-90’s, they have concentrated on creating world-leading, innovative solutions for military and civil security applications. Through strategic acquisitions, Saab’s heritage today has roots extending back to the 1600’s.
In recent years, Saab has experienced a period of remarkable and relentless growth, marked by a 40% increase in headcount over the last five years, driven largely by international expansion. Today, they employ approximately 27,000 dedicated professionals worldwide, whose collective Expertise is a cornerstone of success. Saab’s unwavering commitment to innovation, high ethical standards, and excellence is realized across its four main business areas: Aeronautics, Surveillance, Dynamics, and Naval. Each area plays a crucial role in delivering cutting-edge technology and solutions that meet the diverse and changing security needs of the global market.
Saab’s Aeronautics division is world-renowned for its Gripen and T7 aircraft, engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern air combat. The Surveillance division develops advanced radar systems and electronic warfare technologies, ensuring superior situational awareness and operational effectiveness. The Dynamics division specializes in anti-tank weapons and training systems, providing essential capabilities for ground forces. Finally, the Naval division focuses on innovative naval solutions, including submarines, torpedoes and autonomous underwater vehicles, contributing significantly to maritime security and defense.
In Canada, Saab has established a significant and growing presence, actively engaging in various defense contracts and collaborations to enhance national security. They have been awarded key contracts, including the provision of equipment for active Canadian Armed Forces operations in Latvia and naval programs supported from their offices in Halifax. As Saab continues to strengthen its presence in this key market, they remain committed to delivering state of-the-art technology and solutions that enhance Canada’s defense and security capabilities, contributing to a resilient and safe society.
—
We use AI-powered tools (such as Fathom, Gemini, and Monica) to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process, such as interview note-taking, transcription, and summarization. These tools are used to improve efficiency and consistency. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by a qualified recruiting professional, and all hiring decisions are made by humans. We do not use AI for selection purposes but do utilize AI powered search functions (Microsoft/Google) to help identify candidates on behalf of our clients.
Skills & Experience
Leadership
This role is perfectly suited for a leader who embodies humility and values collaboration, understanding that success is a collective achievement and that high ethical standards are critical to long-term profitability.
Team-oriented
profitability. You are recognized as a team-oriented individual who leverages the strengths of being one of 30 country leaders within a global organization.
Proven track-record
You will demonstrate a clear track record of securing and executing major contracts on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Experience
A proven background in defense or aerospace, especially with a focus on establishing strategic partnerships, will be key to your success in this role.
Trust-worthy
Your extensive network within the Canadian defense ecosystem, paired with a strong reputation for trust and integrity, will be instrumental as you navigate the complexities of government relations and bid capture, ensuring transparency in all dealings.
Strategic thinker
As a strategic thinker, you are financially astute and possess a results-oriented mindset that enables you to deliver in high- performance environments.
Summary of the Role
The President of Saab Canada is a strategic leadership role, accountable for building a nine-figure domestic business and overseeing all Canadian operations. You will work closely with the four global core business areas—Aeronautics, Surveillance, Dynamics, and Naval—to ensure Saab’s comprehensive capabilities are effectively deployed in the Canadian market.
Your leadership will be crucial in driving business development, managing strategic programs, fostering robust government relations and partnerships, and enhancing the Saab brand as a credible and indispensable partner in Canadian defense and security, fostering trust through reliable performance and keeping promises.
You will establish a cohesive team grounded in Saab’s core values of trust, drive and expertise, maintaining an open-door policy and operating with high standards of integrity and transparency. While you will leverage the full support of your international counterparts, you are expected to lead existing and future program successes independently. Given the significant media interest in Saab due to the current geopolitical climate, you will ensure the brand is recognized for its comprehensive, world-leading solutions that support Canadian defense and security.
Reporting directly to the corporate office, you will be tasked with aggressively growing the business and building enduring relationships with government stakeholders. Your ability to expertly navigate the complexities of the Canadian defense landscape will be key to achieving Saab’s strategic objectives and long-term profitability.
Apply for this opportunity
Thank you for your application for this opportunity. Due to the high number of applications we receive, we will only be contacting those that are under consideration for the role.