Director of Programs I

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

Description

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’s Armaments Systems Business Unit is looking for a Program Director I to manage our Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT) program in Plymouth, MN. 

The position’s primary responsibilities will focus on strategic alignment, program production program execution, product development oversight, and customer management for the ALWT program within the Combat Systems Operating Unit (OU). The Program Director is responsible for oversight of a program with a projected > $230M revenue, establishing production and program growth strategies (domestic and international), and overall program execution performance. 

Responsibilities will include but is not limited to:

• Advocating and implementing the OU Director’s vision, mission, and goals.

• Manage ALWT Portfolio revenue, profit, and cash performance.

• Manage a high-performance program team.

• Providing critical leadership and direction to dotted line functional managers and operations to ensure effective management of all program elements ranging from program start-up, execution, and positioning to capture follow-on phases and international contracts. 

• Strategically planning through directing program and portfolio strategy development that integrates with the overall business and strategy; and participating in the business strategic and discretionary planning process.

• Planning for capital expenditures supporting ALWT production and associated financial goals.

• Providing overall leadership and direction to the program team (to include development of team members, team engagement, issue resolution, and initiating corrective actions).

• Directing program and portfolio strategy development integrated with the overall business and strategy; and participating in the business strategic and discretionary planning processes.

• Maintaining proper portfolio discretionary budget oversight.

• Managing risk, issues, and opportunity processes. Identifies potential risks and opportunities that could impact portfolio performance and takes proactive action to resolve issues regarding cost, schedule, prioritization, and resource allocation.

• Establishing and clearly communicating overall portfolio objectives, mission, vision, and strategy – builds morale and supports team needs.

• Driving timely and clearly communicated decisions and recommendations to senior leadership, the program team, and management team.

• Building and maintaining successful relationships with current and prospective customers; coordinates and communicates effectively with functional leadership and teams.

• Managing proposal teams and timely delegations with senior leadership. Able to communicate with senior leadership and outline potential opportunities, proposal schedules, financial positions, and proposed risks.

Basic Qualifications:

• 12 years of experience required with a Bachelor’s Degree, or 10 years of experience with a Master’s Degree, supporting U.S. Government or commercial contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries

• A strong technical background is essential for this Program Director role, as it enables effective communication with engineering teams, informed decision-making, and the ability to drive innovative solutions in complex projects. The following technical skills are particularly important:

  • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze project data and metrics to inform decision-making and measure success.

  • Software Development: Understanding of software development processes and technologies, especially if managing tech-focused programs.

  • Systems Engineering: Knowledge of systems integration and engineering pri