The Job

Innovation Manager

Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Software Engineering · Artificial Intelligence

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In short

Saab UK is seeking an Innovation Manager to support its Sensor Systems Division. This role involves identifying, developing, and delivering innovation opportunities by collaborating with internal teams and external partners, scouting new technologies, acquiring funding, and managing projects from concept to delivery. The ideal candidate will have a STEM background, strong communication and influencing skills, and experience in innovation management or business development.

Responsibilities

  • Support Sensor Systems and Innovation Divisions in identifying and developing innovation opportunities through technology scouting, horizon scanning, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Monitor external technology developments and assess their impact on future products and R&T activities.
  • Support the development of business cases, technology roadmaps, and innovation proposals.
  • Identify and assess relevant innovation funding opportunities and lead the submission of funding applications and collaborative bids.
  • Build and maintain relationships with internal Saab colleagues, universities, SMEs, research organisations, customers, government bodies, and industrial partners.
  • Represent Saab UK at conferences, workshops, and innovation forums.
  • Establish and coordinate innovation projects from concept through to delivery.
  • Coordinate project activities, manage risks and dependencies, and monitor progress against objectives.
  • Support the financial management of innovation projects, including budget tracking and forecasting.
  • Support the transition of innovation activities into business outcomes, ensuring measurable value delivery.
  • Build effective working relationships across engineering, business development, project management, strategy, and senior leadership teams.
  • Act as the primary innovation interface between the Division, the Emerging Technology Team, and external partners.
  • Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and communications for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Promote awareness of innovation activities and facilitate knowledge sharing across Saab UK.

Requirements

  • Ability to attain (or currently holding) a UK NSV SC clearance.
  • Ability to build productive working relationships with stakeholders from diverse professional, technical, and organisational backgrounds.
  • Experience coordinating activities involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to prepare and present clear proposals, reports, and recommendations to all levels of stakeholders, including senior leaders.
  • Ability to facilitate collaboration across teams and organisations.
  • Experience supporting project budgets, financial reporting, or financial governance activities.
  • Comfortable working in a developing and evolving environment where priorities and opportunities may change.
  • Good organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
  • A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • Experience in innovation management, research and technology, business development, partnerships, or collaborative R&D environments.
  • A background in a STEM-related discipline, technology-focused environment, or equivalent experience to engage credibly with engineers and technology specialists.
  • Analytical thinking skills and the ability to assess opportunities, risks, and potential benefits.
  • Ability to conduct occasional travel to Sweden and other international locations.

Desired Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a STEM-related discipline.
  • Experience identifying and securing innovation funding.
  • Bid management, grant writing, or proposal development experience.
  • Experience working with universities, research organisations, or government-funded programmes.
  • Understanding of UK innovation funding mechanisms, including Innovate UK, UKDI, and similar programmes.
  • Experience delivering collaborative technology development projects.
  • Experience within the defence, aerospace, maritime, security, or advanced technology sectors.
  • Commercial awareness and business case development experience.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work for Scandinavia’s largest defence company.
  • Be part of a growing UK presence with opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth.
  • Contribute to keeping people and society safe through world-leading solutions in defence, aviation, space, and civil security.
  • Engage with cutting-edge technology, creativity, and an innovative environment.
#Innovation#Technology#Defence#Strategy#R&D#Project Management#Partnerships
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Company

Saab

Job Posted

3 weeks ago

Expires

in 5 days

Employment Type

Full Time

WorkMode

On Site

Experience Level

Mid-Senior

Locations

Fareham, United Kingdom

Farnborough, United Kingdom

Qualification

Master, Bachelor

Applicants

Be an early applicant