Head of Systems Design

Saab

. Lead, coach and develop seven line managers and their teams .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeStockholm • SwedenLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong leadership in systems development within complex, regulated environments, focusing on process improvement, strategic direction, and effective collaboration across diverse teams. Proven ability to drive transformation and enhance productivity through structured methodologies and knowledge sharing.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems Development ExperienceLeadership ExperienceProcess DevelopmentChange ManagementStrategic Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems EngineeringConfiguration ManagementTechnical Project ManagementProcess StandardizationSafety Engineering

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaboration SkillsAnalytical Working Style

Certifications & Qualifications

Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Regulated EnvironmentSafety-Critical EnvironmentComplex ProjectsKnowledge SharingOnboarding

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, coach and develop seven line managers and their teams
Set the strategic direction for Systems Design and translate it into clear priorities and actions
Drive increased reuse of designs, architectures and technical solutions across projects
Establish common processes, methods and tools within Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Safety Engineering and Technical Project Management
Strengthen ownership of engineering processes, methods and tools within the line organization
Improve onboarding and knowledge sharing to reduce dependency on key individuals and accelerate productivity
Ensure consistency and quality in applying methods, tools and processes across projects
Balance operational delivery with long-term capability development between projects and the line organization
Strengthen collaboration and leverage synergies across Swedish, German, Finnish and Australian operations
Contribute to the Engineering Management Team through strategic planning, competence development and resource management
Report to the Head of PU Combat Systems as a member of the Product Unit management team
Drive a transformation journey for the Systems Design department toward more efficient and strategically product-oriented ways of working

Requirements

What you’ll need

Solid experience from systems development in a complex, regulated or safety-critical environment
Proven leadership experience, preferably with responsibility for managers and senior experts
Experience driving change and improvement work in engineering organisations, for example around process development, reuse/standardisation or Configuration Management
Understanding of or experience with running large and complex projects
Structured and analytical working style, with ability to see the big picture and understand operational challenges
Strong communication and collaboration skills in English, both spoken and written
Knowledge of Swedish and/or German is an advantage but not a requirement
Must pass security vetting based on current security protection regulations
Additional citizenship obligations may apply for positions requiring security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Opportunity to lead and develop a department of highly skilled specialists
Growth and professional development opportunities
Collaboration across Swedish, German, Finnish and Australian operations
Strategic planning, competence development and resource management experience
Participation in Saab's mission-driven work to help keep people and societies safe