Northrop Grumman

Program Excellence Director

Northrop Grumman$214K — $321K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field with 10+ years program management experience, including 3-5 years in management role
  • Experience supporting DoD or government contracts
  • Proven leadership in meeting project schedule, cost, and performance demands
  • Expertise in Northrop Grumman's PM processes, program planning, and earned value management
  • Strong skills in risk management and change management
  • Ability to influence and align non-direct reports towards common objectives
  • Proficient in coaching, teaching and mentoring teams
  • Possession of a current Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor program managers to enhance performance
  • Form and lead independent review teams for actionable feedback
  • Drive improvement in division-wide program management practices
  • Advocate for consistent use of internal processes and tools
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders through presentations and reports
  • Enforce rigorous program review authority processes
  • Champion initiatives for continuous improvement in management practices and reporting
  • Guide execution strategies for proposals and support contract management

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman, Mission Systems is looking for a Program Excellence Director to lead the Mission Next Program Excellence Organization. This leader will strengthen the program management discipline and performance across the Mission Next Division and Sector, by deploying robust processes, tools, coaching, and PM development resources. The role drives cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and greater effectiveness in both captures and program execution across the Division. The leader also owns the quality and outcomes of the Division's non-advocate reviews.

The role will be based in Linthicum, MD

Key Responsibilities:
  • Leadership & Mentoring: Lead and mentor program managers, providing guidance, coaching, and fostering their professional development. Coaching/mentor program managers to positively influence program decisions, actions, and performance
  • Independent Review Teams: Form and lead independent review teams, quickly understanding and providing actionable feedback on a variety of programs.
  • Program Management Excellence: Ensure continuous improvement in division-wide program management practices, focusing on program execution, financial management, risk & opportunity management, and contract change management. Support Program management Center of Excellence process, tools and training standardization initiatives.
  • Internal Process & Tools: Advocate for the consistent application and education of internal Program Management processes and tools. Lead improvements and increased application in Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), awareness and compliance to Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology, and other key program management tools; effectiveness of risk & opportunity (R&O) management practices across programs to include the identification of R&O, the quantification of R&O and the mitigation / realization of R&O, to include application of common tools across sector programs; ensure return-to-green rigor and adequacy
  • Stakeholder Communication & Reporting: Provide regular, clear, and impactful presentations to sector, division, and program stakeholders. Drive internal reporting systems and metrics to provide key insights for management decision-making (i.e. IPRS).
  • Program Review Authority: Lead and enforce rigorous Program Review Authority processes across the division.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional and cross-division efforts to improve program execution and alignment with business strategies.
  • Continuous Improvement: Champion continuous improvement initiatives for program management and execution practices as well as reporting systems, ensuring adherence to best practices and lessons learned.
  • Proposal & Contract Strategy: Provide expert guidance on execution strategies for various proposal types (FFP, CPFF), supporting process and gate reviews, negotiation strategies, and contract management.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of program management experience with 3-5 years in a formal management role
  • Demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense or Government contracts
  • Demonstrated success in leading teams to meet schedule, cost and performance requirements as either project lead, integrated program team or cost account manager
  • Significant expertise in the following skills/knowledge needed to successfully execute programs:
    • Northrop Grumman's Program Management processes and tools
    • Program planning, including cost and schedule baselines
    • Earned value management
    • Risk and opportunity identification, management, and mitigation
    • Change management
    • Effectively briefing executives and stakeholders, and managing expectations
    • Operating in complex environments and challenging situations
  • Proven success in influencing/aligning individuals and teams who do not directly report to you to achieve a common goal
  • Demonstrated teaching, coaching, and mentoring skills
  • Current Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven experience leading P&L programs, and the experience/expertise to assess, monitor, mentor, coach, and lead improvement initiatives in the following areas:
    • Complex project/program management with different customers across the full program life cycle (from proposal development to contract closeout)
    • Resource management and subcontractor management
    • Technical baseline management and performance measurement
    • Quality management systems and continuous process improvement
  • Strong execution track record as a PM on a large, complex program
  • Experience in start-up or recovery situations that required review and enhancement of metrics, processes, ops tempo, and decision-making tools/products
  • Current Top Secret security clearance


Primary Level Salary Range: $214,100.00 - $321,100.00

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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