Director of Business Development

Want to influence the bigger picture? At Saab, you can realise amazing innovations that keep people and societies safe. Together, we can truly make an impact – and your part matters.

What you will be a part of

The Saab Group Business Development (GBD) function covers Saab AB’s all global Business Development activities. Saab GBD function has local offices in selected Countries and you will be part of our established country Norway, based at the Saab Technologies AS office in Halden or Oslo.

Your role

The ideal candidate has solid experience from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, its agencies (such as NDMA), the Norwegian defence industry, or the Norwegian Armed Forces. You have a strong network and in-depth knowledge of the Norwegian government and defence industry markets. You are able to independently identify, develop, and lead business opportunities.

Travel will mainly be within Norway, but you should be prepared for regular visits to Saab’s headquarters and other business areas or units abroad

Expectations

• Drive business growth in Norway by converting prospects into orders and leading strategic sales and business development activities for Saab’s products and services.

• Deliver order intake and gross margin in line with Saab Norway’s budget, in compliance with the Saab Winning Business (WB) process.

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, ensure effective use of the Saab CRM system, and promote strong collaboration and team spirit.

• Contribute to strategic planning by supporting the Country Market Plan (CMP) and working closely with other CSRs and the Country Manager. Support in-country execution of Saab delivery projects where relevant.

• Build and maintain a strong network within the Norwegian defence ecosystem to support long-term growth.

Your skills and experiences

Experiences

• 5–10 years of relevant experience in the Norwegian defence sector, from a government organisation, defence industry company, or the Armed Forces.

• Proven experience in business development and sales, with a strong commercial mindset and the ability to turn opportunities into contracts.

• Solid negotiation skills and a good understanding of business processes and CRM tools.

• Experience working within Government-to-Government (G2G), Business-to-Government (B2G), and Business-to-Business (B2B) frameworks.

• Strong project coordination skills and experience managing opportunities from early engagement through contract award.

• Good technical understanding combined with commercial awareness. Ability to act in the Customer Sales Responsible (CSR) role. Familiarity with Saab’s product portfolio is an advantage.

• Experience in building and maintaining effective industry partnerships, both domestically and internationally.

Network

• Established connections within the Norwegian armed forces and/or defence industry, with experience in building and maintaining successful partnerships.

As a candidate, you should be outgoing and possess strong marketing, sales, and communication skills, with a tenacious and driven mindset. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple business opportunities and complex sales issues simultaneously. Your ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines and take ownership will be crucial. Join our dedicated team and make a significant impact in the Norwegian and European defence market.

This position requires that you will be approved in a security vetting in accordance to ISO:27001

About Saab

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 26,100 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: https://www.saab.com/about