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Aerospace, Defense, Security

Deputy General Manager

East Syracuse, NYOnsiteFull TimeManager / Head$245,600–$331,500 /yrPosted 26 days ago

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Required skills

  • defense industry
  • program management
  • manufacturing
  • business leadership
  • complex programs
  • cross-functional teams
  • financial performance
  • business financial performance
  • defense contracting
  • program execution

Nice to have

  • Business
  • technical field
  • large programs
  • $100M+
  • transition to production
  • production

Role summary

Saab, Inc. is seeking a Deputy General Manager (DGM) for its Land Systems division in Syracuse, New York. Reporting to the VP/GM, the DGM will share accountability for the division's execution, financial performance, operational effectiveness, and overall business results. This role requires strong program management and financial acumen, executive presence, and the ability to lead and develop high-performing teams. The DGM will partner with the VP/GM to drive business success, manage risks, improve processes, and ensure alignment across a complex organization. A Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of experience in the defense industry, including program management and financial oversight, are required. A security clearance and U.S. citizenship are also necessary.

Job Description:

Saab, Inc., a global aerospace and defense solutions leader, seeks a results-driven Senior Director/Deputy General Manager (DGM) for the Land Systems division. This position is based at Saab, Inc.’s Syracuse, New York headquarters.


Reporting directly to the Land Systems Vice President and General Manager, the DGM will serve as a key partner in running the business, sharing accountability for execution, operational effectiveness, financial performance, customer engagement, and overall business results. The DGM will provide day-to-day leadership across the division and operate with delegated authority to represent the VP/GM when appropriate.


This leader will work across programs and functions to resolve business challenges, manage risks and opportunities, improve execution, and ensure alignment across a geographically dispersed organization. Success will require strong program management and financial acumen, executive presence, sound judgment, strong emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trusted relationships across functions and organizational boundaries.


The DGM and VP/GM will flex responsibilities based on business priorities and challenges, enabling the VP/GM to dedicate greater focus to long-term strategy, growth, and key internal and external engagements.


Specific Responsibilities

  • Partner with the VP/GM in running the Land Systems business, sharing accountability for execution, financial performance, operational effectiveness, and business results.
  • Drive effective program execution across cost, schedule, quality, safety, technical performance, and customer commitments.
  • Partner with Program leadership, and functional leaders to identify and resolve program and business challenges.
  • Provide financial oversight of programs and the broader business, including budgets, forecasts, profitability, resource allocation, risks, and opportunities.
  • Lead division-level business, program, growth, resource, and execution reviews.
  • Represent the VP/GM in senior leadership, customer, and other key engagements as appropriate.
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships to improve alignment, decision making, and execution.
  • Establish and monitor KPIs and business metrics to assess performance and drive continuous improvement.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, remove bottlenecks, increase efficiency, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
  • Lead and develop high-performing teams while reinforcing accountability, collaboration, and effective decision making.

Compensation Range: $245,600 - $331,500

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:

Basic Qualifications:


  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • 15+ years of experience in the defense industry, including significant experience in program management, operations, engineering, manufacturing, or business leadership.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex programs and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing program or business financial performance.
  • Strong understanding of defense contracting, program execution, risk and opportunity management, and customer engagement.
  • Executive presence with the ability to represent senior business leadership internally and externally.
  • Strong relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills with demonstrated emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
  • Experience working effectively in complex, matrixed and/or international organizations.
  • Current U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Desired Qualifications:


  • Advanced degree in Business or a technical field.
  • Experience managing large programs of $100M+.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Experience guiding programs through development, transition to production, production, and/or sustainment.
  • Experience within weapons, munitions, or land-based defense systems.
  • Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

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 purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable 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 ten 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.

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