Director Programs 2

About the role

This position reports to the Vice President and General Manager of NIC, and will be located in San Diego, CA. This role is a key leadership role within the NIC Division responsible for driving on-contract performance, strengthening the program management bench, and improving division-level predictability and discipline.

Responsibilities

• Drive on-contract performance for critical programs, including revenue, margin, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead or co-lead program interventions and recovery efforts when performance metrics trend off plan.
• Stand up and run focused control rooms, recovery cadences, Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) efforts, and other hands-on interventions for priority programs.
• Partner with Business Unit leadership and Program Managers on key programs (e.g., division watchlist programs) by regularly participating in C101s, weekly reviews, and major customer reviews.
• Ensure lessons learned from interventions are translated into specific behavior and process changes on other programs across the division.
• Assess and actively shape the Program Management bench across all NIC Business Units.
• Maintain a working assessment of Program Management talent per Business Unit.
• Identify, develop, and advocate for high-potential Program Managers for larger, more complex assignments.
• Provide candid feedback and targeted coaching to key Program Managers and build a culture of continuous development in program management.
• Lead division-level metrics and program reviews with a focus on rigor, insight, and action – not just compliance.
• Make metrics reviews a forcing function for accountability and early risk identification.
• Improve 'return to green' (RTG) predictability and the quality and effectiveness of RCCAs on priority programs.
• Standardize and propagate 'what good looks like' in Program Management execution, metrics, and risk/issue management across Business Units.
• Serve as the early warning system for the Division Leadership Team by providing concise, actionable summaries of key reviews, emerging risks, and recommended interventions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant professional experience OR a Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience in program management leading complex DoD or intelligence community development and/or production programs, with demonstrated results in cost, schedule, and performance.
• Experience leading program recovery or turnaround efforts, including root cause, corrective action, and implementation of sustainable fixes.
• Proven track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing program management teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills that enable collaborative and trusting relationships with all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, BU VPs, and technical experts.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise executive-level summaries and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to use metrics, PRA/IPRS, risk management, and RCCA as tools to drive performance and accountability.
• Dynamic self-starter with strong attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and the ability to prioritize and act in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction.
• Knowledge of DoD requirements, programming, budgeting, and acquisition processes.
• Current/Active DoD SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI; OR DoE equivalent with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI and SAP clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant professional experience OR a Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience in program management leading complex DoD or intelligence community development and/or production programs, with demonstrated results in cost, schedule, and performance.
• Experience leading program recovery or turnaround efforts, including root cause, corrective action, and implementation of sustainable fixes.
• Proven track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing program management teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills that enable collaborative and trusting relationships with all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, BU VPs, and technical experts.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise executive-level summaries and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to use metrics, PRA/IPRS, risk management, and RCCA as tools to drive performance and accountability.
• Dynamic self-starter with strong attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and the ability to prioritize and act in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction.
• Knowledge of DoD requirements, programming, budgeting, and acquisition processes.
• Current/Active DoD SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI; OR DoE equivalent with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI and SAP clearances.

Skills

• Program management experience leading complex DoD or intelligence community development and/or production programs.
• Experience in program recovery or turnaround efforts.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing program management teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using metrics, PRA/IPRS, risk management, and RCCA to drive performance and accountability.
• Ability to prioritize and act in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction.
• Knowledge of DoD requirements, programming, budgeting, and acquisition processes.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman is committed to providing benefits that support the health, financial security, and well-being of its employees and their families. These benefits include:

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $266,300.00 - $399,500.00. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.