Northrop Grumman

Director Business Development Operational Excellence

Northrop Grumman$242K — $363K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of leadership experience in Business Development or related fields.
  • Extensive knowledge of Department of Defense acquisition and government contracting.
  • Demonstrated experience in operational excellence using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proven ability to influence across matrixed organizations and build partnerships.
  • Experience leading strategic initiatives and organizational transformation efforts.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the operational deputy to the Corporate Vice President & Chief Global Business Development Officer.
  • Translate strategic priorities into operational plans with measurable outcomes.
  • Coordinate executive business rhythms and governance processes across the organization.
  • Prepare analyses and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
  • Act on behalf of the Corporate Vice President to ensure continuity of leadership.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance business development processes.
  • Develop metrics to measure organizational effectiveness and productivity.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Savings plan.
  • Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
  • Eligibility for overtime and discretionary bonuses.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

The Director, Business Development Operational Excellence serves as the operational deputy to the Corporate Vice President & Chief Global Business Development Officer (CVP), enabling execution of the organization's strategic growth priorities through operational excellence, governance, and organizational effectiveness.

Working in close partnership with the CVP, this role translates strategy into execution by driving business operating rhythms, optimizing business development processes, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring consistent execution across the Business Development organization. The Director serves as a trusted advisor, providing strategic insight, operational leadership, and executive-level coordination to support enterprise growth objectives.

This leader is responsible for fostering scalable, measurable, and data-driven business operations while promoting a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration across a geographically dispersed organization. As the deputy to the CVP, the Director represents Business Development leadership in cross-functional forums, helps shape strategic priorities, and ensures alignment between enterprise initiatives and day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the operational deputy and strategic thought partner to the Corporate Vice President & Chief Global Business Development Officer.
  • Translate strategic priorities into executable operational plans and measurable business outcomes.
  • Coordinate executive business rhythms, governance processes, and leadership operating cadence across the Business Development organization.
  • Prepare executive-level analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials to support strategic decision-making.
  • Act on behalf of the Corporate Vice President, as delegated, ensuring continuity of leadership, decision-making, and organizational execution.
  • Represent the CVP in executive meetings and cross-functional initiatives, as appropriate.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives that simplify business development processes, improve execution, and eliminate operational inefficiencies utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
  • Establish and maintain standardized business development processes, governance models, and operating procedures that enable consistency and scalability.
  • Drive adoption of automation, digital tools, and analytics to improve operational effectiveness and organizational performance.
  • Develop and monitor performance metrics and dashboards to measure organizational effectiveness, capture health, business development productivity, and return on investment.
  • Partner with Business Development leaders to strengthen opportunity management, capture execution, and Position-to-Win (PTW) processes throughout the Business Acquisition Process (BAP).
  • Support competitive assessments, market analysis, customer engagement strategies, and resource prioritization to enable informed investment decisions.
  • Oversee business development operational planning, resource allocation analyses, organizational reviews, and strategic planning activities.
  • Ensure business development activities are executed in accordance with corporate policies, government regulations, and customer requirements.
  • Partner across Global Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Mission Assurance, Finance, Communications, and Risk Management to drive enterprise alignment and execution.
  • Collaborate with sector and division Business Development teams to promote consistency, knowledge sharing, and enterprise best practices.
  • Lead strategic initiatives that improve collaboration across the enterprise while supporting long-term growth objectives.
  • Foster a high-performing, inclusive culture centered on collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Coach and develop leaders while strengthening organizational capability and operational maturity.
  • Champion employee engagement and organizational effectiveness across geographically dispersed teams.


Expertise Needed
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in Business Development, Business Operations, Strategy, or a related discipline within the Aerospace & Defense industry.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives and leading enterprise-wide operational initiatives.
  • Extensive knowledge of Department of Defense acquisition, government contracting, and the Aerospace & Defense market.
  • Experience driving operational excellence through Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Exceptional executive communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proven ability to influence across highly matrixed organizations and build strong cross-functional partnerships.
  • Experience leading large-scale strategic initiatives and organizational transformation efforts.
  • Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to translate data into executive recommendations.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.


Primary Level Salary Range: $242,100.00 - $363,100.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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