Head of Fighter Aircraft, Business Unit Gripen

The Gripen fighter system is one of the world's most advanced combat aviation systems and a cornerstone of current and future defense capability for several nations. As global demand continues to grow rapidly, we are seeking an experienced and inspiring leader to take overall responsibility for the development of the Gripen fighter aircraft, lead one of Sweden's most advanced engineering organisations, and contribute with commercial and strategic insight as a member of the Gripen Business Unit leadership team.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership, business acumen, technical understanding, and organisational development within a company operating at the forefront of innovation and aerospace technology.

Your Role

As Head of Fighter Aircraft, you will have overall responsibility for the organisation responsible for the development, design, and continuous evolution of the Gripen aircraft platform, including weapons integration. The role carries responsibility for a substantial organisation comprising several hundred employees, leading through a multi-layered leadership team.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation possesses the competencies, technical capabilities, and ways of working required to meet both current and future demands within the Gripen program. The department has the responsibility for the complete fighter jet including weapons integration so you will work with areas such as systems engineering management, materials and component engineering, flight control and aerodynamics, structural design and analysis, systems installation, vehicle systems integration including engine etc. You will ensure that the department drives an agenda focusing on customer value, business acumen, digital transformation and keeping pace with rapid global development.

As a member of the Business Unit leadership team, you will play a key role in translating strategic objectives into clear priorities, tangible results, and successful deliveries within an organisation set out to disrupt fighter jet aviation. Through visible, engaging, and empowering leadership, you will create the conditions for both individuals and the organisation to develop and perform at the highest level.

You will report to the Head of Business Unit Gripen and actively contribute to the continued growth, competitiveness, and strategic development of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop the organisation responsible for the Gripen aircraft platform.Ensure delivery against targets related to quality, cost, schedule, and technical performance throughout the product lifecycle.Drive digital transformation, innovation, and continuous business improvement.Develop organisational capabilities, competencies, and technical excellence to meet future needs.Coach and develop leaders while building a strong leadership culture.Ensure effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.Translate Gripen's strategic objectives into tangible results and continuous improvement.

Location: The primary work location for this position is Linköping. National and international travel will be required as part of the role.

You are a confident and inspiring leader who thrives in complex, technology-driven environments. You combine strategic thinking with a strong understanding of operational realities and have a proven ability to deliver results through others.

You are passionate about people and believe in the power of inclusive leadership, where collaboration, accountability, and development are central. Through your leadership style, you create engagement, clarity, and focus on shared goals.

You are business-minded, analytical, and solution-oriented, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations. You communicate with confidence, credibility, and clarity.

Extensive experience in organisational leadership and change management.A solid understanding of product development and industrial operations.A proven track record of developing leaders and high-performing teams.The ability to build collaboration across organisational boundaries.A relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience.Fluency in both Swedish and English.

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to lead the development of one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft.

You will join an organisation where technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. Together with highly skilled and dedicated colleagues, you will have the opportunity to shape both the future of the business and the defense capabilities of Sweden and our international customers.

This role is ideal for a leader who wants to make a lasting impact by developing people, advancing cutting-edge technology, and contributing to capabilities of strategic importance on the global stage.

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 30,000 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 here

Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and that the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement.