Northrop Grumman

Manager Business Development 3 - USAF Account Support

Northrop Grumman$159K — $263K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of defense-sector business development/capture experience or relevant military experience; or a Master’s degree with 6+ years of equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience leading large, multi-disciplinary teams to achieve win-focused outcomes.
  • Deep knowledge of U.S. Air Force acquisition and operational processes.
  • Exceptional communication skills with a track record of influencing senior officials and corporate leadership.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Current Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a SAP clearance after starting.

Responsibilities

  • Support the US Air Force Account Manager in business development activities and contribute to the pipeline's health and customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinate account lifecycle processes from early engagement to post-award support, ensuring adherence to account plans.
  • Integrate cross-divisional capture teams to align on value propositions for the Air Force marketplace.
  • Expand relationships across key Air Force operational and staffing divisions, translating mission needs into actionable strategies.
  • Drive disciplined pipeline management by qualifying and prioritizing business pursuits alongside the Account Manager.
  • Facilitate early-stage capture qualification and manage the transition to capture preparation with clear insights.
  • Prepare senior executive engagement materials, ensuring presented information is precise and actionable.

Benefits

  • Health Plan
  • Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Education Assistance
  • Training and Development
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (where available)
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is currently seeking a Senior Manager of Business Development 3 to join our Strategic Customer Engagement team within the Business Development and Capture Excellence organization. In this highly visible role, the manager reports to and supports the US Air Force Account Manager, serving as the primary interface with the US Air Force customer and across NGMS divisions to coordinate enterprise engagement and execution. This results-driven, win-focused leader helps set and execute an “up and out” strategic agenda that seamlessly integrates NGMS programs, product lines, and capture activities, while relentlessly generating leads and building a high-value, sector-aligned pipeline. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the manager prepares and orchestrates decisive, high-impact executive engagement and maintains a strong customer-facing presence, positioning NGMS as the preferred partner for the US Air Force and broader domestic and international defense customers.

The selected candidate must be local to one of these NG locations and has the option to hybrid telework: Linthicum, MD, Newport News, VA, Beavercreek, OH, McLean, VA, or Falls Church, VA. This position will report to the Director, US Air Force Account Manager, and support engagements with Langley AFB, Wright-Patterson AFB, and other Air Force locations as needed.

This position will require up to 50% travel to customer sites or other NG facilities, depending upon candidate location, and direction of the Strategic Customer Engagement Senior Director.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Support the US Air Force Account Manager as the senior business development executor for the sector, coordinating customer-facing activity and contributing to pipeline health, bookings outcomes, and customer satisfaction in line with the account strategy.

  • Execute and coordinate across the account lifecycle—from early shaping and solution scoping through proposal support, award, and post-award relationship stewardship—ensuring disciplined handoffs to programs and adherence to account plans.

  • Integrate divisions, product lines, and capture teams to present a unified value proposition to the Air Force; recommend portfolio alignment and investment priorities to advance sector goals.

  • Maintain and expand customer relationships across HAF/SAF staffs, AFMC centers (e.g., AFLCMC, AFRL, AFSC, AFTC), PEOs, MAJCOMs/Numbered Air Forces, and key influencers in support of the Account Manager; translate mission needs into actionable solution shaping and capture inputs.

  • Drive pipeline discipline by identifying, qualifying, and prioritizing pursuits with the Account Manager; apply business-case and competitive analysis to inform resourcing recommendations and monitor coverage versus Annual Operating Plan.

  • Orchestrate disciplined opportunity qualification during early capture phases on behalf of the Account Manager; contribute to win strategies/themes and ensure rapid, clean transitions to capture with clear customer insight and decision-gate readiness.

  • Partner with Capture Leadership, P&L owners, and functional teams to support capture strategy execution across capture phases; enable color-team readiness, price-to-win integration, and timely decision-making.

  • Prepare and enable senior executive engagements (Sector President, Division GMs and Executive Leadership Team) with precise briefs, call plans, talking points, and post-engagement readouts; distill intelligence into concise, actionable decisions.

  • Coordinate integrated customer and stakeholder engagement plans; synchronize sector activities with Corporate Government Relations and Legislative Affairs to align with enterprise and congressional priorities.

  • Gather and synthesize customer feedback, competitive intelligence, and market signals to inform product roadmaps, IRAD/R&D recommendations, and portfolio strategy; provide timely insight on senior-level customer priorities.

  • Collaborate with operating divisions to represent customer needs, understand division equities, and integrate division content into executive packages and customer engagements.

  • Run account rhythms and metrics on behalf of the Account Manager (e.g., Quarterly Business Reviews, pipeline and gate reviews); communicate status, risks, and recovery actions to sector and division leadership with clarity and in a timely manner.

  • Identify and recommend strategic teammates and suppliers; support teaming strategies and agreements that strengthen competitive position and close capability gaps for Air Force pursuits.

  • Uphold ethical conduct and compliance in all customer interactions and pursuit activities.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of defense‑sector business development/capture experience or relevant military experience or a Master's degree and 6+ years of defense‑sector business development/capture experience or relevant military experience.

  • 3+ years leading large, multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver win‑focused outcomes.

  • Deep knowledge of DoW/USAF acquisition and/or operational processes. 

  • Exceptional executive‑level communication and briefing skills; experience influencing senior government officials and corporate leadership.

  • U.S. Citizenship.

  • Current/Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a SAP clearance after starting. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Proven track record of owning full‑cycle account management and improving win rates.

  • Top Secret Clearance.

  • Advanced degree or MBA preferred.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. 


Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $159,500.00 - $263,200.00

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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