Program Manager I

Relocation assistance is not available. A Secret security clearance is required. Travel is expected up to 25% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman’s Weapons Systems sector is seeking a Manager, Programs Level I to support the Armament Systems/Ammunition organization in Plymouth, MN. The primary objective is delivering all contractual requirements on cost and schedule while achieving technical goals and building customer relationships to drive future opportunities. This role leads programs within the Advanced Ammunition Portfolio, including production and product development across Airburst, Proximity, Guided, and Advanced Ammunition Technology programs. Responsibilities include profitable execution of multiple production programs, capturing future domestic and international opportunities, and driving product design and manufacturing improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of the program life cycle from proposal development through contract closeout.
• Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance of programs or subsystems.
• Cultivate customer relationships to develop further opportunities within the customer community.
• Develop and mentor Junior Program Managers and Integrated Program Team (IPT) resources.
• Pursue new business opportunities through strategic planning, capture planning, and proposal development.
• Establish program organizations that address customer requirements and incorporate internal/external sub-organizations.
• Lead and direct cross-functional IPTs to meet program objectives, including geographically distributed teams.
• Measure and report program performance to stakeholders, including customers and executive management.
• Deliver presentations to customers, executive management, and other program stakeholders.
• Participate in contract negotiations, including changes, specifications, budgets, schedules, and key terms.
• Establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration, and test.
• Create, review, and finalize program Statements of Work.
• Identify, distribute, track, and complete program requirements.
• Establish and manage program and subordinate baselines, including budget baselines using Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Identify, allocate, and manage program resources, including workforce planning.
• Manage suppliers to meet program objectives.
• Ensure adherence to internal processes, policies, and industry standards.
• Ensure the program team understands and adheres to contract scope and manages change through control board activities.
• Develop and adhere to master plans and schedules.
• Conduct thorough risk and opportunity management, including identification, mitigation, and realization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience OR a Master’s degree and 3 years of experience supporting U.S. Government contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries.
• 5 years of experience leading tasks on schedule, at cost, and achieving all requirements as a project lead, IPT lead, or cost account manager.
• Basic competency in Project Management skills and toolsets.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and capable of obtaining a Secret security clearance.
• Able to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in science, engineering, or business.
• Experience with Direct Commercial Sales, Foreign Military Sales, and International contracts.
• Experience in the aerospace/defense industry or within the Department of Defense or NASA.
• PMP® certification.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile methodologies.
• Active Security Clearance.

Desired Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage a project team daily and communicate effectively with leadership.
• Ability to manage projects to specified milestones and schedules.
• Strong dispute resolution and negotiation skills, maintaining positive relationships within the organization.
• Ability to manage stakeholder communications through organized processes.
• Proactive approach to issue and problem resolution across all levels of the program.
• Ability to define proposal strategy, lead proposal teams, analyze RFPs, and deliver winning proposals.
• Organized and analytical approach to managing program uncertainty, risks, and opportunities.

Pay

Primary salary range: $127,000.00 - $190,600.00. The final offer considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Eligible employees may receive overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and company results. Vice Presidents or Directors may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

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