Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Manager, Supply Chain 3 – Enterprise Chemicals & Strategic Materials to lead the enterprise strategy, planning, procurement, inventory management and execution of chemicals, films, adhesives, sealants, coatings and other specialist manufacturing materials supporting multiple operations locations – 1st Shift (9/80 Schedule) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within the Global Supply Chain organization. This leadership role is located onsite at our Palmdale Center of Excellence in Palmdale, CA and will report to the Director of Supply Chain, GM&L for the Division.
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
This leader will serve as the enterprise owner responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material availability across Palmdale, Clearfield, Iuka, Edwards AFB, and other enterprise locations as required. The position is accountable for balancing production requirements, supplier performance, inventory accuracy, regulatory compliance, and enterprise supply chain execution while supporting one of the nation’s most critical aerospace programs.
This position requires a highly collaborative leader capable of influencing cross-functional organizations, developing long-term supply strategies, and driving continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing locations.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead enterprise procurement and material management strategy for chemicals, films, adhesives, sealants, coatings, and other specialty manufacturing materials.
- Manage an enterprise inventory portfolio valued between approximately $100M–$200M while balancing inventory investment with production readiness.
- Develop and maintain enterprise Min/Max planning strategies, inventory optimization models, safety stock methodologies, and replenishment strategies.
- Develop and execute enterprise waterfall delivery schedules that align supplier deliveries with manufacturing build requirements.
- Ensure uninterrupted material availability supporting multiple production sites while minimizing excess inventory and reducing supply chain risk.
- Lead supplier performance management including executive supplier engagement, capacity planning, risk mitigation, recovery planning, and escalation activities.
- Partner closely with Manufacturing Operations, Production Planning, Programs, Engineering, Quality, Business Management, Environmental Safety & Health (ESHM), and Supplier Performance organizations.
- Ensure compliance with hazardous material regulations, shelf-life controls, contractual requirements, and aerospace quality standards.
- Develop enterprise contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions, sole-source risks, allocation constraints, and long-lead material challenges.
- Standardize enterprise business processes, material planning methodologies, and inventory management practices across multiple operating locations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory optimization, working capital reduction, supplier performance, and production support.
- Lead and develop Supply Chain professionals while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Present enterprise supply chain performance, material strategies, risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership.
Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Materials Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business Management, or related discipline; OR Master’s Degree with 5 years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Materials Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business Management, or related discipline; OR High school diploma with 11 years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Materials Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business Management, or related discipline.
- Minimum 3 years of formal leadership experience.
- Experience utilizing SAP
- Ability to travel up to 25%
Active U.S. Government Secret level (or higher) clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Program Special Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline.
- Aerospace and Defense industry experience.
- Experience managing procurement, material planning, inventory management, or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing inventory planning strategies including min/max planning, replenishment methodologies, or inventory optimization.
- Experience managing supplier relationships
- Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Program organizations.
- Ability to analyze complex supply chain challenges and develop strategic solutions.
- Experience managing chemicals, films, adhesives, sealants, coatings, hazardous materials, or specialty manufacturing commodities.
- Experience supporting enterprise or multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Demonstrated responsibility for inventory portfolios exceeding $50M.
- Experience developing enterprise material strategies and inventory optimization initiatives.
- Experience supporting production planning, demand planning, and capacity planning processes.
- Demonstrated experience leading supplier recovery efforts and executive supplier engagements.
- Strong financial acumen with experience balancing inventory investment, production readiness, and operational performance.
- Excellent executive communication, organizational leadership, and change management skills.
- Active SAP Access
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree with 7 years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Materials Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business Management, or related discipline OR Master's Degree with 5 years OR High school diploma with 11 years of relevant experience
- Minimum 3 years of formal leadership experience
- Experience utilizing SAP
- Ability to travel up to 25%
- Active U.S. Government Secret level (or higher) clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain Program Special Access within a reasonable period of time
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline
- Aerospace and Defense industry experience
- Experience managing procurement, material planning, inventory management, or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment
- Experience managing inventory planning strategies including min/max planning, replenishment methodologies, or inventory optimization
- Experience managing supplier relationships, supplier performance, and supplier recovery efforts
- Experience with chemicals, films, adhesives, sealants, coatings, hazardous materials, or specialty manufacturing commodities
- Experience supporting enterprise or multi-site manufacturing operations and responsibility for inventory portfolios (demonstrated > $50M)
- Strong financial acumen balancing inventory investment and production readiness; excellent executive communication and change management skills
- Active SAP Access
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.






