Director of Programs 2
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. Join Northrop Grumman on our mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. At Northrop Grumman, your voice is valued. You’ll join a team of passionate professionals providing real-world solutions to our customers’ toughest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and enabling our employees to grow and achieve their goals by Defining Possible. With competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we offer the right opportunities to fit your life and advance your career. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Senior Director of Programs for an Operating Unit at our Gilbert, Arizona facility. This role is based on-site in Gilbert, AZ, with travel to other Northrop Grumman locations as well as customer and supplier sites as required. The Senior Director reports directly to the Business Unit Vice President and is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and health of the program and supporting staff.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of program or project management experience in the defense or aerospace sector, including responsibility for both execution and growth of a diverse program or new business portfolio.
- Proven experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams (program and functional) to develop and execute a vision and business strategy that achieves or exceeds program performance and financial objectives.
- Demonstrated expertise in customer shaping and engagement, including developing strategies and win themes to position for future opportunities.
- Experience within the DoD as a major prime contractor.
- Strong track record of disciplined program execution, including risk management, issue resolution, and performance to plan.
- Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead program management teams, including effective delegation, coaching, and succession planning.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and at executive levels.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SAP eligibility.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
Nice To Haves
- 10+ years of experience managing complex programs and/or portfolios with significant new business capture and growth responsibilities.
- Knowledge of Northrop Grumman internal processes, procedures, and organizational structure.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and present strategies, business cases, and program status to senior customer and internal executive audiences.
- Current Top Secret clearance with SAP eligibility.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership for a portfolio of complex programs, ensuring cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives are met or exceeded.
- Drive disciplined program execution, risk management, and performance management across the portfolio.
- Lead and mentor a team of program managers, setting clear expectations, accountability, and development paths.
- Champion a high-integrity, inclusive culture that reflects Northrop Grumman values and fosters engagement, collaboration, and high performance.
- Maintain strong employee morale and effective communication across all levels and functions.
- Shape and execute the growth strategy for the site’s business portfolio, including identification, capture, and execution of new business opportunities.
- Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, and other stakeholders to align capabilities and investments with customer needs and competitive positioning.
- Engage directly with customers and partners to strengthen relationships, understand emerging requirements, and position Northrop Grumman for long-term success.
- Provide indirect leadership to all supporting disciplines to ensure alignment with Operating Unit and Business Unit goals.
- Coordinate closely with the Business Unit leadership team and other company sites to leverage enterprise capabilities, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- discretionary bonus
- Annual bonuses
- Long Term Incentives
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
