Sales Director - Naval

Introduction

At Saab, we constantly look ahead and push boundaries regarded as technically impossible. We collaborate with colleagues around the world who all share our challenge: to make the world a safer place.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you are a strong relationship builder, objectives driven and have a proven ability to capture business, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join our team as a Sales Director – Naval Domain and be part of our journey towards growth and innovation. This role reports to the Head of Business Development & Sales

The Role

We are seeking an experienced defence sales professional, responsible for developing and executing the capture strategy for the Naval Systems business in the UAE and supporting the wider region in the Middle East and Africa. As our Sales Director, you will create and implement a successful growth and capture strategy utilizing a portfolio of new and existing products that support the long-term strategy of the business. Responsibilities will include; identification, qualification, and pursuit of significant new business opportunities; developing and executing capture strategies; and interfacing across disciplines and departments to achieve business objectives. To be successful, you need demonstrated experience from Naval systems requirements and knowledge of the UAE Navy user profile.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with relevant Saab Business Units to position Saab for growth with future programs, new technologies, products, services and markets or business models.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including MoD and Navy officials, other relevant military branches and government agencies.
• Identify and qualify potential opportunities, and drive the capture process from opportunity identification to proposal submission, negotiations and contract closure.  This includes cross-functional collaboration with business leadership, technical experts, proposal teams, and program partners to develop winning proposals.
• Proposal management – develop win themes, coordinate operational and pricing teams, liase and synchronise with product owners in- and outside of the UAE
• Maintain and grow existing customer relationships with the customer community
• Drive competitive intelligence, market trends, accessible markets and provide insights regarding price-to-win strategies

Qualifications:

• BS Degree in business or related engineering discipline, or equivalent Naval/military academy qualifications.
• Minimum of 8+ years relevant experience in Aerospace and Defence environment, in Program Management, Business Capture, Business Development, Marketing and Sales, or Military.  Industry experience is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated track record leading defence business capture efforts.
• Experience in successfully negotiating agreements with Defence customers.
• Knowledge of the Tawazun Council acquisition process, and government procurement policies and procedures are preferred.
• Must be able to obtain necessary security clearances.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of Navy operational concepts.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing complex relationships.
• Excellent English language skills, with an ability to generate and present complex material.
• Strong understanding of the local business culture and ability to work in a highly diverse environment.
• Ability to align partnerships and strategies with the company's business development objectives and compliance requirements.

Why Join Our Team?

• Strategic Impact: Play a key role in shaping and executing strategies for industrial cooperation and partnership development.
• Collaborative Work Environment: Work alongside a passionate team dedicated to innovation and strategic growth.
• Career Advancement: Grow within a fast-paced industry that values strategic thinking, market insight, and relationship-building.

About Saab

Saab is a global defence and security company operating in the fields of air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics. We number 23,000 employees and have operations on all continents. Technologically we are leaders in many areas, and one-fifth of our earnings are spent on research and development.
Saab is also a company with opportunities. A company where we see diversity as an asset and where you have both considerable responsibility and good opportunities for advancing in your career. But also a company that respects each person’s needs for a rewarding life beyond work.