Communications and Engagement Manager

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

What you will be part of

Saab is a leading defence 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.

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:

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communication, the Internal Communications and Engagement Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a communication strategy that ensures clear, consistent, and engaging messaging to all Saab UK employees. This role supports company culture, promotes transparency, and helps drive employee engagement through effective communication channels and campaigns. The Internal Communications and Engagement Manager will also be responsible for line management of the Internal Communications Specialist.

Day to day, this role is expected to champion the embedding of company values across internal communications to foster a strong, values-driven culture that supports employee engagement and alignment. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to enhance visibility and trust through consistent, transparent, and authentic messaging, driving a sense of connection, purpose, and productivity across all levels of the organisation. This role requires someone who is confident and comfortable engaging with senior leaders as well as employees at all levels, ensuring communications are relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

Additional aspects of the role will encompass digital and basic design work. This position is an ideal opportunity for a confident, friendly and professional individual who is keen to work in a hands-on role in our team that is responsible for developing and shaping Saab UK's corporate reputation and image. This is an important role as our business continues to grow rapidly.

This role is ideally situated around London or the South East, with some remote working possible, you will be expected to provide support across the country and some occasional travel to Sweden may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver an internal communication strategy that aligns with the company's vision, values, and goals
• Plan and manage communications campaigns to support key initiatives, business updates, and change programs
• Embed company values into all aspects of internal communication to reinforce culture and employee alignment
• Partner with senior leaders to increase visibility and drive consistent, transparent messaging from the top down
• Create, edit, and manage engaging content across internal channels (e.g. intranet, newsletters, internal social platforms)
• Support two-way communication by enabling feedback mechanisms such as surveys, Q&A sessions, and town halls
• Provide strategic communication guidance and support to HR and leadership teams on employee engagement, culture, and change
• Own and manage the internal communications calendar to ensure clear and timely delivery of messages
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, using insights to improve future efforts
• Coordinate and support internal events that enhance engagement, such as company updates, recognition programs, and culture-building activities
• Ensure communication is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to diverse employee audiences
• Maintain and enhance internal communication platforms, ensuring ease of use and effectiveness
• Collaborate with the brand and marketing team as and when needed to support different initiatives and employer branding campaigns.

Qualifications and Skills:

Required

• Proven experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or corporate communications.
• Experience of driving cultural change in an organisation.
• Strong organisational skills and proven ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences and platforms.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and influencing at all levels of an organisation.
• Being able to work as part of a close team, have a can-do attitude and be willing to take on any challenge with a natural air for problem solving.
• Excellent written and editing skills, the ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and identify priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of employee engagement principles, culture-building, and change communication.
• Comfortable using analytics and engagement metrics to inform communication planning.
• Knowledge of inclusion and accessibility best practices in communication.
• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, HR, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Desired

• Experience working in the defence or technology sectors would be a bonus but is not essential.

Saab UK Company Benefits:

• 30 days annual leave
• Workplace pension scheme with 8% company contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Group income protection scheme
• Death in service insurance
• Up to 5% share matching scheme
• Company enhanced Maternity/Adoption & Paternity leave.
• + Much more

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.

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