RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 50% 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.
The GSC Material Planning, Inventory and Logistics Director 1 is accountable for the end‑to‑end performance of the sector’s supply‑chain function. The role drives data‑based performance management, continuous improvement, technology enablement, and compliance across purchasing, material‑requirements planning (MRP), and logistics. The Director partners with cross‑functional leaders to define tools, standards, and communications that enable the sector to meet service, cost, and inventory goals while maintaining rigorous audit and policy adherence. This position to be based onsite in Mesa, AZ; McLean, VA; Linthicum, MD; or Roy, UT.
This role drives a data‑centric performance management framework that covers revenue‑forecast accuracy, on‑time PR release to MRP, supplier delivery, negotiation outcomes, inventory accuracy, and PR‑to‑PO cycle time. By leading root‑cause analysis, continuous‑improvement initiatives, and the development of standard work, the Director ensures the supply chain operates with lean efficiency and high reliability.
In partnership with other functions, the Director defines and implements the tools, platforms, and analytics required to support the sector’s strategic goals. They also own Business Systems Compliance (Purchasing & MMAS), shaping policy, overseeing audit readiness, and guaranteeing adherence across the organization. Through structured operations reviews and a comprehensive GSC communications and engagement strategy, the Director keeps senior leadership and cross‑functional partners informed, aligned, and empowered to make rapid, informed decisions that sustain service excellence and cost competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Demand Management
- Collaborate with manufacturing to develop a standard global demand‑planning framework, integrating market intelligence, sales forecasts, long range strategic plans.
- Lead the annual S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) cycle for GSC, ensuring alignment between sales, production, finance, and logistics.
- Develop rolling 12‑month forecasting models using statistical and machine‑learning techniques to improve forecast accuracy.
Inventory Optimization
- Design and enforce global inventory policies adhering to FAR/DFARS Material Management and Accounting System requirements (eg., target service levels and material planning, inventory accuracy, safety stock and replenishment parameters).
- Drive continuous‑improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma) that reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
Logistics & Transportation Management
- Develop understanding of division and site level transportation networks (eg., air, ocean, rail, road) across the Defense Sector and develop strategic plan to optimize and standardize logistics and transportation management to improve cost, speed, and service.
- Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and other regulations, customs requirements, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., carbon‑footprint reduction).
Leadership & Collaboration
- Build, mentor, and retain a high‑performing global team of material planners, inventory analysts, and logistics professionals.
- Partner with IT to enhance planning systems (e.g., ERP, APS, WMS) and champion data‑governance and master‑data quality initiatives.
Financial & Performance Management
- Establish governance model and performance targets: track and report on key KPIs such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, order‑to‑delivery cycle time, and logistics cost per unit.
- Prepare and present regular performance reviews to executive leadership, highlighting risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or related field and 10 plus years experience or MBA or Master’s degree with 8 plus years experience.
10+ years of progressive supply‑chain experience; at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing global planning, inventory, and logistics.
Extensive experience with FAR/DFARS Material Management and Accounting Systems requirements, including all aspects of material planning and inventory management and controls.
Advanced proficiency with ERP (SAP and Costpoint) and advanced planning systems (Kinaxis, JDA/Blue Yonder, Anaplan). Strong data‑analytics background (SQL, Python/R, Tableau, Power BI).
Up to 50% travel
Ability to obtain and maintain and US Secret clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active US Secret clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $160,200.00 - $278,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
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. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.