Director of Manufacturing Operations I

Northrop Grumman

76d • $155,100 - $232,700

About The Position

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman is currently seeking a Director of General Manufacturing I who will report directly to the Manufacturing & Infrastructure Sr. Director within the Weapon Systems Division. This leadership role will be responsible for the direction, strategy, planning and execution of Northrop Grumman’s Missile Products Operating Unit which includes Manufacturing, Environmental Health & Safety, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Testing Operations, Operations Program Management, Operations Planning & Scheduling, and Inventory and Logistics. This position will be located in Rocket Center, WV. The selected candidate will set the standards for highly engineered, complex rocket motors and their manufacturing processes, including Lean Manufacturing, Delivery Performance and Talent Management. Responsibilities include fostering and maintaining a safety-focused operating environment of continuous improvement, on-time delivery and unquestionable quality. This position will also be responsible for ensuring facility compliance to federal, state and local mandates with respect to environmental regulations, employee safety and labor law and will foster an environment that promotes teamwork and cohesive action. This position develops, communicates and implements vision, strategy, goals and metrics that align with and drive business objectives for safety, quality, cost, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement in alignment with the broader organization. The individual will utilize effective talent management strategies to attract, retain, develop and engage the right people for the operations organization. He/She will be responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with work teams, customers, program management, and their support organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelors’ Degree in a STEM field.
• Five or more years in leadership as well as 10 years related experience in manufacturing operations, engineering, and/or program management.
• Experience in leading engineering, manufacturing or program teams.
• Prior work experience supporting Department of Defense contracts and/or manufacturing organization.
• Previous experience working with a large union workforce.
• The ideal candidate must have proven skills and experience building a high performing team.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing technologies and lean processes.
• Strategy development and implementation experience.
• Strong financial and budgeting skills, including EAC process familiarity.
• Technical and business acumen in the Aerospace industry to include knowledge of future trends, policies, practices, and technology.
• Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.
• Understands the culture of large organizations and knows how to get things done through formal and informal channels.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires US Citizenship as a pre-requisite.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to lead a large and diverse workforce, establish clear expectations and inspire commitment, build strong teams, value diversity and put people first.
• Experience and knowledge of the manufacturing processes and safety requirements for energetic materials and components.
• Ability to demonstrate in depth knowledge of Operations leadership skills that lead to safe and high-quality manufacturing of complex and technically demanding products.
• Ability to further continuous yet controlled improvements in organizations and processes and strengthening of workforce skills through application of lean thinking principles and tools.
• In depth knowledge and demonstrated experience in implementing a Lean Manufacturing system.
• Ability to formulate, communicate and execute complex project plans and initiatives.
• Desired knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, Six Sigma and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing, presentation and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated business acumen.
• Clearly demonstrated commitment to open communication and internal and external customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all manufacturing, EH&S, standards to ensure they meet production, quality, and cost-efficiency goals.
• Develop strategies and lead the implementation of lean manufacturing principles to ensure visual management, standard work, 5S, and layout flow and linkage create safe and efficient operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to improve product quality, production timelines, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Ensure strict adherence to industry, state and federal regulations for all manufacturing activities.
• Close coordination with the Facilities teams to ensure all infrastructure plans support organizational growth.
• Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, of all manufacturing processes and shop floor locations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategic plans that align manufacturing, facilities, infrastructure, and EHS initiatives with business goals.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators across all areas, driving continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving opportunities.
• Stay informed of industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes to maintain compliance and keep the company competitive.
• Prepare and manage budgets for manufacturing ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance technical skills, safety awareness, and compliance knowledge within the team.
• Ensure all production and operational aspects of the department are conducted efficiently and in accordance with the Company’s Quality Management System.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree