Director, Surveillance Systems Business Operations

Job Description:

The Business Operations Director is responsible for running the operating rhythms of the business and transforming data into actionable improvement plans that drive meaningful business decisions and strategic opportunities in the Surveillance Systems Division. This role plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, enabling strategic execution, and improving organizational performance. This role partners cross-functionally to streamline processes, analyze business performance, and implement scalable solutions that support growth and efficiency. This role will report directly to the Vice President and General Manager of Surveillance Systems, and partner closely with the Surveillance Leadership team and the supporting functions of Saab, Inc.

The role will oversee the development and maintenance of tools, databases, and analytics platforms, ensuring that the organization has a robust framework to analyze market, financial and performance trends. With a strong understanding of programmatic and financial dynamics, the Business Operations Director drives strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and promote growth in accordance with the long-term strategy of the business.

The Business Operations Manager will drive a consistent approach to improving business decisions and performance (financial and non-financial). This role will be responsible for developing and delivering resourcing plans at the division level and will have direct responsibility for key programs and initiatives across the portfolio.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, collaborative, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Strategy & Execution

• Help establish, improve and maintain the business rhythms of Surveillance Systems.
• Lead the monthly operating reviews for the business.
• Drive the win business process compliance and efficiency.
• Translate business strategy into actionable operational plans and initiatives, including optimization of product investments and sustainment strategies.
• Drive cross-functional projects from concept through execution and delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and overall performance.

Process Improvement

• Evaluate and optimize existing processes, systems, and workflows
• Lead continuous improvement efforts using data-driven methodologies
• Standardize best practices across teams to ensure consistency and quality

Performance & Analytics

• Identify opportunities for improving business processes through data analysis
• Provide pricing decisions and/or input, in accordance with the Delegation of Authority
• Ensure management of all administrative, indirect and overhead expenses
• Support creation of business case analyses
• Optimize resource allocation
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics
• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership to inform decision-making

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with departments such as Finance, HR, Business Development, and Operations to align priorities
• Facilitate communication and coordination across teams to ensure execution of key initiatives
• Act as a liaison between leadership and operational teams

Program & Project Management

• Manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met
• Establish project governance, track progress, and mitigate risks
• Drive accountability across stakeholders
• Demonstrate ability to step into and own key programs or initiatives as required
• Execute assigned project deliverables, baseline management, R&D & capital expenditures
• Support the program management pieces of the proposal and product lifecycle management processes

Change Management

• Support organizational change initiatives, including communication and adoption strategies
• Help build operational readiness for new programs, tools, or structures

Compensation Range: $189,000 - $255,100

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, operations, or related field
• 10 or more years of demonstrated experience managing a large Program or Product teams
• 10 or more years of significant experience in a high-technology or development environment, with preference for Aerospace and Defense experience
• Experience with Scheduling, Costing, Baselining, and Planning
• Experience working on business capture activities including costing, proposal writing, and customer interaction
• Expertise in establishing and maintaining high impact internal and external relationships
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated expertise in communicating complex data insights to executive leadership and stakeholders

Citizenship Requirements:

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.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.