Director of Programs 1 - GEM
Northrop Grumman · Magna
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Director of Programs 1 to lead the GEM Motor Program team within the Propulsion Systems business unit to oversee execution of the current production contract and drive increased production capacity to meet growing customer demand. This position will be located in Bacchus (Magna), Utah.
Overview
The Director of Programs 1 will manage two solid rocket motors, GEM63 and GEM63XL, which support United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicles. This role is accountable for meeting technical, financial, and schedule objectives on a fixed-price commercial contract generating approximately $400M in annual revenue. The director will work closely with United Launch Alliance and customers including the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial partners.
Role and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
Lead and develop a high‑performance, integrated “team of teams”
Serve as a key member of the Space Launch Program Leadership team, shaping vision and strategy for commercial programs
Provide clear direction to functional and operations leaders and drive timely, well‑communicated decisions and recommendations
Program Execution & Risk Management
Own end‑to‑end program performance (safety, quality, schedule, technology, cost; full P&L responsibility)
Plan and execute GEM63 production expansion, including capital investments
Manage risk, issues, and opportunities; proactively address cost, schedule, prioritization, and resource needs
Lead proposal teams, communicating opportunities, schedules, financial positions, and risks to senior leadership
Continuously drive for results, challenge the status quo, and effectively influence and manage people issues
Customer & Company Interface
Represent Northrop Grumman to customers, aligning NG capabilities with customer needs
Balance the interests of the customer, the company, and employees
Negotiate and resolve disputes to positive outcomes while preserving strong customer relationships
Regularly present program reviews to corporate leadership
Team & Performance Management
Provide overall leadership to program teams, including coaching, conflict resolution, performance reviews, and corrective actions
Direct core program functions (engineering, contracts, finance, BD, scheduling, manufacturing)
Set clear role and performance expectations; deliver concise, persuasive verbal and written communication
Schedule & Financial Management
Develop and manage program plans and critical milestones; meet master schedules and initiate corrective actions as needed
Demonstrate mastery in program budgeting, earned value management, EAC, and risk/opportunity management
Forecast and manage sales, cash, operating margin, and fixed‑price contract scope
Oversee discretionary budgets (IRAD, B&P, Marketing, CAPEX) as required
Contracts & Technical Performance
Lead contract negotiations, endorse final pricing and terms, and resolve contract issues
Drive technical excellence by setting standards, partnering with technical teams, balancing risk, and ensuring performance
Business Development
Leverage existing programs to win new business
Direct proposal development to align with NG strategy, meet customer needs, and enable successful negotiations and execution
Plan discretionary budgets to support future opportunities and help develop business cases for new pursuits
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with 10 years’ experience supporting U.S. Government programs; OR a Master’s degree with 7 years’ experience
Experience in defense or aerospace production manufacturing environment
Experience managing rocket motor programs
Understanding of the Launch marketplace and customers
Experience managing Facility and Tooling projects to support future production
Experience managing fixed‑price commercial contracts
Demonstrated ability to forecast and manage sales, cash, and operating margin (OM) performance
Experience with program budget, EAC and risk/opportunity management
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications
MBA or advanced STEM degree
Experience running proposals and commitment reviews
Demonstrated expertise in technical performance baselines, requirements management, planning/scheduling, and earned value management
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