Description

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems’ (NGDS) Strategic Deterrent Systems (SDS) division is seeking an Operations Director 2.  This position is location in Roy, Utah, and will require approximately 25% travel. 

The SDS Operations organization has a very wide breadth of responsibilities including Production Operations, Facilities, Safety, Mission Assurance, and is home of the Project Excellence Homeroom. The Director of Operations will have accountability for day-to-day down and in execution of the organization and will be critical to supporting the Production Operations Homeroom, Site Operations, Project Excellence Homeroom and other matrixed Operations organizations’ responsibilities.  The position reports directly to the Sector Vice President of Quality, Manufacturing and Infrastructure. Strong team collaboration, effective communication and exemplar leadership characteristics are essential. 

What You’ll Get To Do:

Partner with Division and Program leadership, Chief Engineer Office and organizational Directors to lead all aspects of day-to-day Operations across the portfolio focusing on taking advantage of efficiencies of the combined organization. 

• Focus on supporting critical program requests, program reviews, Defense Sector PE initiatives, and provide leadership direction of developing and implementing training and ensure process documentation is current and accessible. 

• Collaborate across SDS Business Units and the other Functions along with the broader NG Operations organizations ensuring strong coordination at the SDS level. 

• Oversee all manufacturing operations across multiple sites, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting or exceeding quality standards. Implement strategies to optimize production processes, improve capacity, and enhance overall efficiency.

• Lead the quality function to ensure operations are compliant with industry standards, certifications, and customer requirements. Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement at every organizational level.

• Develop, implement, and sustain EH&S policies and programs, ensuring all sites are compliant with regulatory requirements and maintain a strong focus on employee safety, risk reduction, and environmental stewardship.

• Oversee multi-site facilities to ensure operational efficiency and high levels of functionality. Lead real estate planning initiatives, including expansions, consolidations, property acquisitions, and capital projects to support long-term organizational goals.

• Direct end-to-end planning, allocation, and execution of CapEx investments for infrastructure projects, including facility upgrades, expansions, and new construction. Ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while meeting organizational needs.

• Develop and implement workforce planning strategies to ensure optimal staffing levels across all operations. Identify and nurture high-potential talent, deploy effective performance management practices, and drive leadership development initiatives. Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture that prioritizes employee growth and engagement.

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization using lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies. Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and operational excellence, ensuring measurable improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, program teams, and key stakeholders to align operations with overarching strategic initiatives, customer needs, and government regulatory requirements.

As a leader, you always act with integrity, and the highest ethical standards characterize everything you do. You enable your team to achieve predictable and balanced results, while satisfying the needs of internal and external partners. You treat all people with respect, and you model personal growth and continuous development. You know how to build an inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. You develop trusted and valued customer relationships and communicate effectively, so that people throughout the organization feel engaged and connected to their work. You deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement and respond vigorously to change. 

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:  

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage 

• 401k  

• Educational Assistance  

• Life Insurance  

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions  

• Paid Time Off  

• Health & Wellness Resources  

• Employee Discounts   

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package. 

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of relevant experience. or a Masters and 8 years of experience

• Active DoD Secret Clearance adjudicated in the last 6 years with ability to obtain SAP

• Experience in manufacturing, quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100), EH&S compliance, facilities and real estate management, capital project oversight, lean manufacturing, and workforce planning is essential. Relevant certifications such as Lean or Six Sigma are a plus.

• Experience leading people, projects, multi-site operations and/or programs across diverse technical and non-technical teams. 
• Experience in program execution at the Program Office or major IPT level. 
• Ability to travel 25% per month

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:

• Experience in all Operations areas: Manufacturing, Ground Systems, Integration and Test, Environmental Test, Safety, Facilities and Mission Assurance, Site Operations and Facilities 

• Program Management experience across multiple business areas and customers on medium to large programs as a Prime Contractor 

• Demonstrated ability to make complex critical decisions 

• Experience with risk, issue, and opportunity management 

• Proven ability to lead a high performing team with evidence of being able to create trusted relationships, and an inclusive work environment that attracts, retain and inspire diverse and engaged teams.

• Proven ability to deliver effective communication verbally, written, and through well-crafted presentations across all levels of an organization 
• Experience with effective change management  

• Experience briefing executives and managing expectations