Draken Europe offers exciting careers that matter.
We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people.
Our vision is for Draken to become the premier Operational Readiness Training provider in the Middle East through the establishment of a permanent operational presence in KSA. We deliver world class Electronic Warfare Flying Training (EWFT), both airborne and classroom based.
The Role
We are currently recruiting for a Business Manager as part of our exciting programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
This is an ‘in country’ business management role, working directly for the Draken Saudi General Manager (GM)
The Business Manager is responsible for supporting the GM in all aspects of the general management of RSAF EWFT service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). They will provide resilience to the EWFT Program by substituting for the General Manager in his absence.
Financial support is available for those relocating.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the EWFT General Manager in all aspects and be able to substitute duties when they are not available through leave or when deployed.
- Responsible for delivering the programme Quarterly and Annual Performance Reports for the Prime Contractor (PC) on behalf of the GM.
- Responsibility for liaison with the Operations Controller to produce the EWFT weekly reporting requirements ensuring sign-off with the Prime Contractor (PC).
- Leading internal and external RSAF EWFT meetings when required, representing the RSAF EWFT programme at stakeholder meetings as required.
- Assist and work closely with the RSAF EWFT UK Programme Manager with the management of information reporting to the UK Senior Leadership Team.
- Responsible for in-country RSAF EWFT Programme Risk Management.
- Responsible for the RSAF EWFT Security and IT Management Plan and liaison with stakeholder community in UK and KSA.
- The ability to safely manage Draken & RSAF sensitive material to an acceptable security standard.
- In conjunction with the UK Draken security team, implement robust security processes & procedures to safeguard Draken Intellectual property.
- To serve the direct requirements of the business/project and to liaise with the MOB/DOBs to ensure the appropriate levels of support and security are in place.
- Work closely with the Draken UK and KSA HR team to ensure retention and ongoing recruitment plans are realistic and sustainable
- Working cross-functionally, alongside and in the absence of the GM:
- Ensure the welfare and wellbeing of employees and their families.
- Ensure that the business operates in a compliant manner with all Saudi legal requirements and obligations -with assistance of the KSA legal Team
- Act as a point of contact for all of the customer agencies on delivery and reporting matters.
- Provide guidance and support to the local KSA HR, UK/KSA Finance and Administrative support functions to the EWFT Programme in KSA.
- Establish and maintain a strong partnership with the wider customer and stakeholder community and develop these relationships in terms of customer satisfaction and growth opportunities.
- Work closely with the UK responsible functional heads for Flight Ops, SHE, safety, security and IT to ensure their policies and frameworks are implemented within the KSA operation.
- Provide regular and comprehensive reporting to support the Draken Monthly Programme Reviews together with additional ad hoc reviews as required
- Maintain and actively promote a safety-first approach and ensure operations remain compliant within KSA in accordance with Draken Europe SHE standards.
Experience / skills / qualifications
- Relevant safety or programme risk management qualification
- Experienced team/line manager.
- Background experience in an Operational or Training delivery role to be credible to the RSAF customer.
- Previous experience of operating with commercial defence industry partners and/or operating experience in KSA or the Gulf States is desirable.
- Handling & processing Protectively Marked (PM) material.
- Producing written Risk Assessments.
- Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment (ideally in the Middle East)
- Experience in or willingness to train/learn project/programme management, understanding the supporting techniques, tools and processes.
- Demonstrated competence in managing large cross-functional teams with diverse skills and responsibilities.
- Previous experience working in a highly regulated working environment.
- Relevant professional training qualification and experience.
- Security related roles within a dynamic, multi-culture environment.
Our employee values
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.
We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications.
In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.