Job Description:
Saab, Inc., a leading defense and security company, is currently seeking an experienced Corporate Events Manager. The Corporate Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing high-impact corporate and customer-facing events that support business development, brand visibility, and employee engagement for Saab, Inc., a U.S. aerospace and defense company. This role leads all U.S. trade show strategy and execution and oversees a portfolio of corporate events including facility grand openings, leadership forums, and customer user group meetings.
Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President – Corporate Affairs (U.S), this elevated role has been created to enhance Saab’s position as the company delivers on robust growth plans in the U.S. market. The position is located in Saab’s Washington, D.C. Navy Yard office with 2 days/week work from home option.
Key Responsibilities:
Trade Shows & Exhibitions
Own end-to-end planning and execution of U.S. trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions
Develop annual trade show strategy to drive business outcomes in partnership with Business Development and program leadership
Manage booth design, logistics, shipping, installation/dismantle, and on-site execution
Coordinate with internal global stakeholders on messaging, demos, staffing, and customer engagement
Coordinate closely with external exhibit house
Manage trade show budgets, timelines, vendors, and post-event reporting
Implement best practices for digital content management and storage. Vet and catalog video, photo, audio and/or other digital media content.
Provide detailed and clear ROI reports on events and activities associated with executed programs.
Corporate & Customer Events
Plan and execute corporate events including facility grand openings, leadership forums, customer user groups, and internal meetings
Ensure events align with brand standards, security requirements, and business objectives
Lead site selection, contracts, vendor management, and on-site logistics
Partner with executive leadership to support agenda development, speaker coordination, and VIP experiences
Team & Vendor Management
Hire, onboard, and manage a Corporate Events Professional supporting corporate events
Build and manage a network of external vendors
Establish scalable processes, templates, and best practices for event planning
Budget, Compliance & Risk Management
Develop and manage annual event budgets, track expenses and ROI
Ensure compliance with company policies, government regulations, security protocols, and export control considerations
Conduct post-event evaluations and drive continuous improvement
Compensation Range: $180,600 - $234,700
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:
Required Skills and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or a related field
10+ years of experience planning and executing corporate events and trade shows, preferably in the defense industry
Proven experience managing complex, multi-day trade shows and executive-level events
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously
Experience managing vendors, contracts, and budgets
Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail
Confidence to lead cross organizational matrixed team
Domestic travel up to 40%, can be shared with Event Coordinator; travel to Sweden 1x/year
Experience working with the U.S. Department of War highly preferred
Prior people management experience or demonstrated readiness to lead staff
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 mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable 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 eight 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.