In a time of profound geopolitical change, Saab has an increasingly vital role in building security. As both the European Union and NATO adapts and strengthens to safeguard our shared future, we are stepping forward to engage more actively in shaping this evolving landscape. To drive this effort, we are now seeking a Head of Saab Government Affairs Brussels Office - a key position at the heart of Europe, where policy, security, and innovation converge.
Your role
As Head of Saab Government Affairs Brussels, you will lead a highly skilled team of professionals, working together to navigate and shape the complex European policy and military landscape. This mission includes building a deep understanding of, and actively engaging with the European Union to ensure our company is well positioned in its evolving programs and structures. You should also have a thorough understanding of security and defence policy in order to position and act towards NATO’s bodies and processes in Brussels. As Head of the Brussels Office, you will lead a business-driven government affairs organisation, working closely with the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) to advance Saab’s and the wider defence industry’s strategic interests.
Your role is to guide and empower the team in influencing policy development, engaging with key stakeholders, and building strong relationships that enhance Saab´s visibility and impact. Drawing on your relevant network and proven experience, you will lead the office in formulating solutions that create shared value for both Saab and society, contributing to European and transatlantic collective security and resilience.
The Brussels office today is an office dedicated to managing, coordinating and inform the wider Saab on EU and NATO related issues. An inclusive coordination across Saab, with relevant business areas, group functions and Saab´s country units, is essential to succeed.
The main tasks are:
- Lead and develop Saab's Brussels Government Affairs team, ensuring a strong collective capacity to deliver on the mission.
- Position Saab as a trusted partner to the EU and NATO in building a stronger and more secure Europe.
- Build a deep understanding of EU and NATO institutions, policies, and evolving security structures, and position the company within relevant frameworks.
- Proactively monitor and identify EU programs and initiatives that may provide funding opportunities, and act to safeguard and advance the company’s interests.
- Engage with and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across EU institutions, NATO, member states, and industry, to strengthen the company’s influence and visibility.
- Plan ahead regarding the development of the team and the office to ensure that guidance and tasks are synchronised and achieved.
- Oversee the office overhead structure, including planning, finance and administration.
- Manage the Brussels office budget as well as legal, tax and compliance matters, both internally and externally.
- Work closely with all functions to secure coordination and alignment.
- Serve as the HR contact point between the office and the wider HR function.
- Ensure deadlines and compliance requirements are always met.
- Apply a business-minded approach to all initiatives and activities.
Saab Government Affairs is a Corporate Group Function working to anticipate and act on changes in the political, governmental and business environment in order to enhance and secure Saab’s business conditions. We engage with governments and policy makers in all our markets and Saab believes that responsible corporate citizenship requires active engagement in policy, legislative and regulatory processes.
Group Government Affairs is headed by Per de la Gardie and consists of two departments; Swedish Government Affairs and Government Affairs Brussels Office. The current job opportunity refers to the role as Head of Government Affairs Brussels, and reports directly to the Head of Group Government Affairs.
Your profile
This role combines the need of interpersonal skills, business acumen, proven leadership abilities and a structured approach. The role is also expected to represent and participate in external discussions and forums on Saab related topics for which experience of Saab is desirable.
Required skills:
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team.
- Demonstrated track record of policy development and effective stakeholder engagement at senior levels, preferably with a focus on EU institutions and processes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent the company credibly and persuasively.
- Relevant academic background in political science, business, international relations, or equivalent.
- Trustworthy and with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design solutions that create shared value for both the company and society.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Desired skills:
- Established network within EU institutions, NATO, and relevant member state structures.
- Experience working in or with the defence, security, or high-technology sectors.
- Experience from Saab and its products and services or the defence sector.
- Understanding of EU funding programs and ability to secure company interests within them.
- Additional European languages.
This position is placed in Brussels, Belgium.
This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.
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. Read more about us here
Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and that the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement.