Principal Supply Chain Procurement Specialist 3 or 4

Description

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems sector has an opening for a Principal / Sr. Principal Procurement Specialist (Level 3 or 4) – Category Management to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.

This position is remote; however, must be within a commutable distance from one of the following AS locations: Palmdale, CA; El Segundo, CA; or Melbourne, FL

We are seeking a results-driven Category Management Procurement Specialist to lead Sector-level strategies for any of the following categories: electronics, chemicals & composites, raw materials, and/or standard hardware. This role partners with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to drive cost-effective, resilient sourcing solutions that support mission-critical outcomes. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual who will thrive in a project-driven environment and demonstrates the ability to balance long-term strategy with day-to-day execution.

In this role, the selected candidate will be expected to:

• Design and implement comprehensive category strategies for electronics, chemicals & composites, raw materials, and/or standard hardware categories to mitigate supply chain risk, ensure affordability, and align with the Organization and Program objectives. 
• Prepare Procurement Review Board (PRB) packages, competitive and sole-source bid packages, conduct bidder conferences, analyze and evaluate proposals, perform price/cost analyses, negotiate contract provisions, select or recommend awards, and administer resulting contracts.
• Monitor commodity indices and leverage market trends to inform sourcing decisions
• Conduct market analyses, total-cost-of-ownership studies, and demand forecasts to shape long-term sourcing roadmaps.
• Apply standard Aerospace & Defense purchasing/procurement methodology to spend categories to achieve organizational objectives, best value for the enterprise, and achievement of target return on investment (ROI).
• Support sector initiatives/ special projects as required
• Establish vendor-managed inventory (VMI) agreements, Right-to-Buy Agreements, long-term agreements, strategic agreements, and negotiate favorable terms and conditions with Suppliers.
• Identify supply-chain risks & opportunities and develop mitigation and execution plans to address them.
• Manage internal and external relationships and supplier partnerships

This position may be filled as a Level 3 or Level 4 based on the qualifications outlined below.

Basic Qualifications:

• Level 3 - Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Subcontracts, or Supply Chain Management OR a master’s degree with at least 3+ years of experience in Procurement, Subcontracts, or a PhD with at least 1 year experience in Procurement, Subcontracts, or HS Diploma/GED with 9 years experience in Supply Chain Management may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Level 4 - Bachelor’s Degree with at least 8+ years of experience in Procurement, Subcontracts, or Supply Chain Management OR a master’s degree with at least 6+ years of experience in Procurement, or a PhD with at least 4 year experience in Procurement, Subcontracts, or HS Diploma/GED with 12 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong understanding of FAR provisions and GSC policies and procedures
• SAP experience to include: create/navigate a purchase order, outline agreement navigation, basic data queries, supplier scorecard navigation, vendor master navigation, item master navigation, open order management, purchase request viewing and management, goods movement viewing and management, material planning viewing and management
• Ability to obtain an active U.S Government Secret Clearance to apply and to start the role, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the Company to meet its business needs
• Commutable distance from one of the following AS locations to Palmdale, CA; Redondo Beach, CA; or Melbourne, FL

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree and 8+ years of supply chain, contracts, business management, or related experience
• Negotiating contracts in excess of $10 million
• Ability to multi-task and make sound decisions in a timely manner
• Experience building teams and interfacing/ collaborating with Programs and other organizations within and outside of Global Supply Chain
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, work successfully in a fast-paced environment, and apply sound judgment to problem-solving
• Budgeting experience and EVM knowledge
• Working knowledge of sector categories, including a solid understanding of engineering/technical requirements
• Ability to understand engineering practices and work within the technology arena to further the connection between the technology roadmaps and Global Supply Chain
• Ability to plan, schedule, and arrange activities to accomplish objectives
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to model and promote a strong sense of engagement, teamwork, and cooperation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills
• Significant experience managing supply chain risk