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 candidates will need to 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 raw materials, composites, and/or standard hardware categories. 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 raw materials, composites, or the standard hardware category 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 bidders conferences, analyze and evaluate proposals, perform price/cost analyses, negotiate contract provisions, select or recommend awards, and administers 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 investments (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.
- 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 Supply Chain Management; 9 years of experience maybe considered in lieu of a degree
- Strong understanding of FAR provisions and GSC policies and procedures
- 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
- At minimum, the ability to obtain an active DoD Secret level 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
Basic Qualifications 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, Subcontracts, or Supply Chain Management; 12 years of experience maybe considered in lieu of a degree
- Strong understanding of FAR provisions and GSC policies and procedures
- 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
- At minimum, the ability to obtain an active DoD Secret level 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:
- Masters degree and 8+ years of supply chain, contracts, business management or related experience
- Negotiating contracts in excess of $10 Million
- Budgeting experience and EVM knowledge
- Working knowledge 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
- SAP experience
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills
- Significant experience managing supply chain risk
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