Vice President, General Manager - Aerospace Systems

Saab•West Lafayette, IN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Saab, Inc. Aerospace Systems is seeking a results-driven and dynamic Vice President, General Manager to lead Saab’s West Lafayette site. This role is accountable for the overall performance, strategic direction, and long-term growth of the operation, with delegated P&L responsibility and alignment to Saab’s global aerospace and defense objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO, Saab, Inc. this executive leads both the strategic and operational execution of the portfolio and works in a matrix environment, with both Saab Inc. and Saab AB leadership to achieve established objectives. At Saab, Inc. Aerospace Systems, your main priority will be to lead a critical advanced manufacturing operation producing the rear section of the T-7A Red Hawk military trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force and other potential future customers. You will also be accountable for the thoughtful and well-timed growth of the operations into other platforms, customers, and capabilities over time. The VP, General Manager serves as the senior Saab leader at the site, responsible for delivering on present contracts, driving operational excellence, advancing business growth, and strengthening Saab’s presence in the U.S. market. This role plays a critical part in shaping global and domestic strategy, building US based organizational capability, and delivering sustained results in a highly regulated environment in collaboration with Saab AB.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field required
20+ years of progressive executive leadership experience, with a demonstrated track record of leading complex, mid- to large-scale organizations within aerospace and defense
Significant experience leading manufacturing operations, ideally within aerostructures or highly engineered products
Proven success with P&L ownership and driving financial and operational performance
Deep experience in aerospace and defense markets, including understanding of regulatory and customer environments
Demonstrated ability to lead and grow business in Aerospace and Defense markets
Demonstrated ability to define and execute growth strategies, including market expansion and capability development
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence at senior levels internally and externally
Experience operating within a global, matrixed organization
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen, paired with the ability to drive execution
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide full P&L leadership and accountability for site performance, including operational, financial, and strategic outcomes.
Champion a culture of safety, quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Refine, shape, and execute the site’s strategic roadmap in alignment with Saab’s global aeronautics business strategy.
Drive operational excellence across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program execution, ensuring performance, regulatory compliance, efficiency, and scalability.
Lead, develop, and evolve a high-performing leadership team; build organizational depth and succession pipelines.
Partner with U.S. and Saab AB global Business Area Aeronautics stakeholders to identify and capture growth opportunities, including new programs, capabilities, and partnerships.
Strengthen integration and collaboration with Saab’s global functions, including engineering, R&D, and commercial organizations.
Establish a world class aerospace design engineering capability for Saab in West Lafayette, IN.