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 principles, particularly for complex projects that involve multiple components.
Technical Architecture: Familiarity with software architecture and design patterns to ensure alignment with organizational standards.
Change Management: Skills in managing and implementing technology-driven changes within organizations.
Risk Management: Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical risks associated with project delivery.
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage the program team daily.
Demonstrated ability to manage revenue, profit, and cash performance of programs.
Master of project management skills and techniques including work breakdown structures, integrated master scheduling and earned value management.
Demonstrated experience working with customers to ensure project success.
Strong formal and informal communication skills with all levels of internal and external management.
Ability to operate and lead in team environment and teach and mentor others to manage in same way – a strong willingness to learn, take initiative and resolve issues.
Ability to resolve disputes and negotiate with positive outcome while maintaining good relationships with customers.
Familiarity with U.S. Navy torpedo or demonstrated ability to managing integration of complex systems.
Defense Industry and DoD contract experience strongly desired.
Ability to manage risk to reduce likelihood and severity of program impacts.
International business experience.
Strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills.
Be able to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Able to travel both international and domestically up to 25% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters in Business Administration is strongly desired.
Prior experience with large or medium caliber military armaments.
PMI training and certification desired.