Join a dynamic, customer‑focused team that tackles a wide range of projects across the Sector. Mission Systems Category Management organization has an opening for a Manager, Supply Chain 3 to join our team as a Category Manager.
As a Category Manager, you will act as the bridge between program supply chain management, procurement, supplier performance management (SPM) and strategic sourcing functions. You’ll ensure that tactical requirements are met by your team while driving strategic improvements in supplier performance and capacity. This position can be worked from our NGC facility in Rolling Meadows, IL, Redondo Beach, CA, Woodland Hills, CA, Baltimore/Linthicum, MD, Salt Lake City, UT or San Diego, CA.
Critical Skills
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; confident executive‑level presenter.
- Risk Management: Experience creating and governing risk registers and mitigation plans.
- Strategic Planning: Experience creating and governing risk registers and mitigation plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead assigned Category Management Supply Chain Base
- Own end‑to‑end performance for assigned supplier categories.
- Develop, implement, and track recovery and improvement plans that are actionable, measurable, and accountable.
- Cross‑Functional Integration
- Align procurement, supplier performance, strategic sourcing, and engineering teams to resolve programmatic issues.
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Influence superior supplier performance through data‑driven insights and root‑cause analysis.
- Monitor capacity constraints, devise mitigation strategies, and negotiate realistic delivery schedules.
- Risk & Opportunity Management
- Ensures mitigation plans are developed and executed to address any programmatic risks related to suppliers or supply chain execution.
- Collaborate across internal functions and your supply base to identify cost and lead time opportunities.
- Team Development & Enablement
- Ensure team members have the tools, training, and processes needed to manage on‑time delivery, cost control, and strong supplier relationships.
- Mentor and coach direct reports to grow their capabilities and advance their careers.
- Continuous Improvement & Agility
- Champion NG Leadership Behaviors and Values in all interactions.
- Adapt quickly to changing business priorities and maintain a proactive, goal‑oriented mindset.
#MPR
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree and a minimum of 8 years in supply chain or supplier quality roles; or a Masters degree with a minimum of 6 years in supply chain or supplier quality
- 5+ years as a team leader or direct people/project management
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), supply‑chain analytics, and root‑cause problem solving.
- US Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain, or related field).
- Experience with advanced analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
- Prior EXPERIENCE to defense or aerospace supply chains.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of experience in supply chain or supplier quality, or a master’s degree and at least 6 years of experience
- At least 5 years of team leadership or direct people/project management experience
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
- Experience with supply-chain analytics and root-cause problem solving
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
- Advanced degree such as an MBA or MS in Supply Chain or a related field
- Experience with advanced analytics tools such as Tableau or Power BI
- Prior experience in defense or aerospace supply chains
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.









