Deputy Head of Marketing & Communications

Introduction

Saab in UK is growing rapidly, with over 500 colleagues across eight sites. We bring together Swedish heritage and British expertise to drive innovation in areas such as software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. Joining Saab in UK means contributing to the security and resilience of society while building a career with real scope for personal and professional growth.

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Role

The Deputy Head of Marketing and Communications will play a key leadership role within Saab UK, supporting the Vice President of Business Development and Sales in driving the company’s strategic marketing, communications, and sales objectives. The postholder will lead the Marketing and Communications Team, ensuring alignment of marketing activities with business development and sales priorities, and will deputise for the Vice President as required.

This role will combine strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, managing the CRM system, functional budget, and performance reporting on support Saab UK’s growth.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead, develop, and motivate the Marketing and Communications Team to deliver high-quality, impactful campaigns, brand alignment and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide clear direction and professional development opportunities to ensure continuous improvement and performance excellence within the Marketing and Communications Team.
• Deputise for the Vice President, Business Development and Sales, representing the function and organisation at internal and external meetings and events.

Marketing and Communications

• Oversee the development, alignment and implementation of the Saab UK Marketing and Communications strategy in line with corporate objectives.
• Ensure effective management of brand reputation, media relations, digital presence, and internal communications.
• Support the planning and execution of exhibitions, trade shows, and industry events.
• Collaborate closely with Saab Group Marketing and Communications and international marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.

Sales and Business Development Support

• Work closely with the wider Business Development and Sales teams to ensure marketing and communications activities directly support pipeline development and customer engagement.
• Contribute to bid and proposal activities with marketing insight, positioning, and media development.
• Support Customer Market Intelligence gathering.
• Oversee the management and optimisation of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring accuracy, usability, and compliance with data protection regulations.

Reporting and Performance Management

• Compile and present monthly and annual performance reports covering marketing, communications, and sales support activities.
• Analyse key performance metrics to assess campaign effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Provide senior management with actionable insights to drive continuous improvement.

Financial Management

• Manage the Marketing and Communications functional budget, ensuring cost-effective delivery of activities and accurate forecasting.
• Oversee procurement and supplier management within the function, ensuring compliance with company policies.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior marketing, communications, or sales support leadership role, ideally within the defence, aerospace, or technology sectors.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and guide a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at all levels internally and externally.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a complex, multinational organisation.
• Understanding of government or defence procurement processes.
• Knowledge of CRM systems, marketing analytics, and digital marketing tools.
• Professional qualifications in marketing, communications, or business management.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with strong operational delivery capability.
• Collaborative and adaptable, able to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to Saab’s values and mission.