Manager 3 - Manufacturing & Logistics

Northrop Grumman•Charlottesville, VA

4d•$125,300 - $187,900•Hybrid

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. We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager 3 - Manufacturing & Logistics to support production and manufacturing operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities. The Manager 3 - Manufacturing & Logistics is a senior operations leader responsible for daily production and materials/logistics operations across our Central Virginia manufacturing sites, with primary presence in Charlottesville and regular engagement in Waynesboro. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production; leads the manufacturing management team; and directly oversees the materials and logistics organization supporting both facilities. The leader partners closely with cross-functional teams (e.g. Engineering, Quality, Programs, Global Supply Chain) to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while driving continuous improvement and operational readiness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience in manufacturing/production, assembly, engineering and/or logistics OR a Master’s degree with seven (7) years of relevant experience in manufacturing/production, assembly, engineering and/or logistics.
At least five (5) years of experience in management/leadership of people and/or processes.
Experience with production management systems (e.g., ERP/MES) and materials/logistics processes.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and how it could be used in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
US Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Ten (10) years of direct leadership experience, including at least five (5) years managing managers or multi-disciplinary teams.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, industrial engineering, operations management).
Manufacturing, production, or engineering experience in electronics and/or assembly/test.
Experience leading materials/logistics organizations and integrating materials planning with production operations.
Knowledge of Constraint Theory, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with Manufacturing Workmanship Standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-WHMA-A-620, IPC-J-STD-001).
Experience working across functional organizations and multiple sites.
Quality Management experience, particularly in electronics or defense manufacturing environments.
Experience with digital tools to support shop floor execution, materials management, and KPI visibility.
Active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Own daily production operations across Charlottesville and Waynesboro, ensuring adherence to production schedules and customer commitments.
Translate program and demand requirements into executable shop floor plans; balance capacity, labor, and material availability.
Adjust plans to address change orders, constraints, or emergent issues while maintaining safety, quality, cost and delivery performance.
Monitor and drive KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and productivity across both sites. Examples of KPIs: Lost workdays, Rework, First Time Yield, On Time to Contract, Health of WIP, Utilization, Total OH Ratio, Performance to Standard Work.
Apply lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, standard work, visual management) to improve flow, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.
Lead teams through structured problem solving and root cause analyses to eliminate recurring issues in production operations and materials/logistics.
Provide direct leadership for the Materials & Logistics teams supporting Charlottesville and Waynesboro.
Own material planning and coordination with Supply Chain/Procurement to ensure production readiness and minimal disruptions.
Oversee inventory control, cycle counting, warehousing, kitting, and point-of-use material delivery to work cells.
Lead shipping/receiving operations and logistics processes to support on-time delivery, inventory turns, and past-due reduction.
Implement and sustain standards, processes, and digital tools for materials handling, traceability, and logistics performance.
Ensure products meet or exceed internal and external quality requirements; support and drive corrective and preventive actions.
Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with manufacturing workmanship standards and regulatory requirements.
Champion standardization of processes and documentation across sites to support repeatable, compliant operations.
Lead and develop manufacturing supervisors, materials/logistics leaders, and production teams across Central Virginia.
Responsible for senior management of non-exempt manufacturing personnel. Ensuring adherence and accountability to work schedules and employee handbook (or equivalent) standards.
Recruit, train, and coach staff; set clear goals and expectations and drive accountability and performance.
Foster a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement, with a clear “standard that must be met” coupled with appropriate support.
Communicate effectively with frontline staff, peers, and senior leadership.
Develop and manage departmental budgets; control labor, material, and overhead costs while meeting business objectives.
Prepare and present performance reports, variance analyses, and improvement plans to senior management.
Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, EH&S, Finance, and Program teams to support new product introductions, process changes, and manufacturing readiness.
Lead or support change management initiatives that impact production, materials/logistics processes, and site operations.