RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is seeking a Contracts Director 2 to influence and enable the strategic direction of the Contracts organization for the Weapons Systems (WS) Division. This role reports directly to the Defense Systems Sector Vice President of Contracts, ITC, and Government Property, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Vice President and General Manager of the WS Division.
Located in Northridge, CA; Linthicum, MD; or McLean, VA, this position will be responsible for leading the end0end contracts function in support of complex development and production programs. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for contract formation, negotiation, administration, and compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer requirements, and applicable laws and regulations. The Contracts Director 2 partners closely with Program Management, Business Development, Finance, Supply Chain, and functional leadership to enable profitable growth, manage risk, and ensure execution excellence across a diverse portfolio of domestic and international contracts.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Contracts organization supporting the Weapons Systems Division, including direct management of contract managers and administrators.
- Lead the development, review, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts, subcontracts, and related agreements (NDAs, MOUs, teaming agreements, etc.) with U.S. Government and international customers, primes, and industry partners.
- Serve as the primary contractual advisor to division and program leadership, providing guidance on contract strategy, terms and conditions, risk allocation, and compliance implications.
- Interpret and apply FAR/DFARS, DoD and other customer regulations, as well as internal procedures, to ensure compliant contract formation and execution.
- Drive standardized contracts processes, tools, controls, and best practices across the division to increase quality, consistency, and efficiency.
- Assess contractual risks and opportunities; propose and implement risk0mitigation and value0capture strategies that support both program execution and business objectives.
- Oversee contract change management, including REAs, claims, equitable adjustments, and modifications to scope, schedule, and price.
- Partner with Program Management and Finance on proposal strategy, pricing approaches, and business case development; ensure contract and pricing strategies are aligned with division financial goals.
- Support gate reviews, internal approvals, and executive briefings for key pursuits, awards, and modifications.
- Develop and maintain strong customer, partner, and internal stakeholder relationships; represent Contracts in customer meetings, negotiations, and executive reviews.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high0performing Contracts team, including workload balancing, career development, and succession planning.
- Monitor and drive performance against key metrics (cycle time, quality, backlog health, risk profile, etc.) for the division0s contracts portfolio.
- Ensure timely and accurate contract setup, data integrity, and documentation in relevant systems and repositories.
- Support internal and external audits, assessments, and reviews (e.g., DCMA, DCAA, internal compliance).
- Champion an ethical, compliant, and inclusive culture within the Contracts organization and across the broader Weapons Systems Division.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor0s degree with a minimum of 10+ years or Master0s degree with 8+ years of contracts experience in the aerospace/defense or closely related industry, with significant experience supporting U.S. Government (DoD) contracts or professional experience
- Demonstrated experience leading contract negotiation and administration for complex, high value development and/or production programs.
- Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and U.S. Government contracting practices, including various contract types (CPFF, CPIF, FFP, T&M, IDIQ, OTA, etc.).
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing a team or leading cross-functional contract efforts.
- Proven ability to partner effectively with Program Management, Business Development/Capture, Finance, and other functional stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex contractual issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast paced, matrixed environment.
- Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, etc.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to Top Secret.
- Ability to travel up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD, or related field).
- NCMA certification (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or equivalent professional certification.
- Experience leading contracts for Weapons Systems or similar complex hardware/software0intensive defense programs.
- Experience with international contracts, FMS/DCS, ITAR/EAR considerations, and offset requirements.
- Demonstrated success driving process improvements and implementing standardized contracts practices and tools.
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), program finance concepts, and business case analysis.
- Prior experience interfacing with DCMA, DCAA, or other oversight/regulatory agencies.
- Current active Top Secret clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $210,100.00 - $330,100.00
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 candidate0s 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.
