Northrop Grumman

Sr Principal HR Business Partner

Northrop Grumman$106K — $176K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; equivalent experience acceptable.
  • 8+ years of progressive HR experience, especially as an HR Business Partner.
  • Experience advising senior leaders on complex workforce issues.
  • Background in leading employee relations, organizational change, or restructuring initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and application in a corporate setting.
  • Proven ability to influence leaders and drive results without authority.
  • Strong analytical skills for interpreting HR and business data.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a strategic advisor on workforce and organizational matters to senior executives.
  • Translate business strategies into integrated HR plans and priorities.
  • Identify trends and assess organizational health using workforce data.
  • Lead talent management strategies for high-performing talent.
  • Provide coaching on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.
  • Manage complex employee relations matters and collaborate with HR Centers of Expertise.
  • Analyze engagement data to develop targeted action plans with leaders.

Benefits

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

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to support multiple functional organizations. The Senior Principal HRBP serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to senior executives and business leaders, aligning people strategies with business objectives to drive organizational performance, workforce effectiveness, and long-term growth. This role operates with significant independence and influence across complex, highly matrixed organizations and provides strategic guidance on workforce planning, talent management, leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, organizational change, and other critical people priorities.

The successful candidate will serve as a thought partner to senior leadership, translating business strategy into integrated people strategies and helping leaders navigate complex organizational and employee matters.

This role is ideally located in McLean, VA or Linthicum, MD and may be considered for telework.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership & Business Alignment
  • Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior executives and business leaders on workforce, organizational, and people-related matters.
  • Partner with senior leaders to understand business strategy and translate it into integrated HR plans and priorities.
  • Use business, workforce, and talent data to identify trends, assess organizational health, and inform leadership decisions.
  • Influence and challenge leadership thinking to ensure sound people decisions and long-term organizational health.


Talent Management & Succession
  • Partner with leaders to identify critical talent needs and develop strategies to attract, develop, retain, and deploy high-performing talent.
  • Lead talent review and succession planning processes for assigned client groups.
  • Identify critical roles and capabilities; drive targeted development, mobility, and retention strategies for high-potential and key talent.
  • Partner with Talent Acquisition on workforce plans and recruitment strategies for hard-to-fill and strategic roles.


Leadership Coaching & Consultation
  • Serve as a trusted coach to senior leaders on leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, and organizational health.
  • Provide expert guidance on performance management, feedback, and development planning.
  • Facilitate team sessions (e.g., new leader assimilations) to strengthen leadership teams.


Employee Relations
  • Provide expert counsel on complex employee relations matters and lead investigations, partnering with HR Centers of Expertise and Legal as appropriate.
  • Anticipate and mitigate people-related risks; advise leaders on actions that support a positive, inclusive work environment.


Culture, Engagement & Change Leadership
  • Analyze engagement, exit, and other people data to identify trends and root causes; develop targeted action plans with leaders.
  • Partner with Organizational Effectiveness and other stakeholders to plan and execute organizational change, including communication, stakeholder engagement, and transition support.


Compensation, Rewards & Workforce Programs
  • Partner with Compensation and Total Rewards to implement annual pay and bonus planning and recognition programs in alignment with business and budget parameters.
  • Advise leaders on job architecture, internal equity, and market competitiveness for key roles.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or related field. Four additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant experience as an HR Business Partner supporting senior leaders.
  • Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders on complex organizational and workforce matters.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex employee relations, organizational change, and/or restructuring initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations and their practical application in a corporate environment.
  • Proven track record of influencing senior leaders and driving outcomes without formal authority.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR and business data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
  • Exceptional consulting, facilitation, and communication skills; able to simplify complexity and drive alignment across stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into actionable people strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives in a highly matrixed environment.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in HR, Business, or related field, or relevant advanced certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
  • Experience supporting highly matrixed, multi-site organizations.
  • Ability to work onsite in McLean, VA or Linthicum, MD.


Primary Level Salary Range: $106,800.00 - $176,300.00

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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