Manager Production Operations 2

United States-Illinois-Rolling MeadowsPosted Aug 6, 2026

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Manager Production Operations 2 based in Rolling Meadows, IL. There are two openings: one will support the Targeting Operating Unit (OU) and one will support the Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) OU.

The Manager, Production Operations 2 provides the required oversight to lead a strong integrated Operations team including Manufacturing, Global Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance personnel in support of production lines.

As a key leader, you will lead a high-performing team and will be responsible for executing, monitoring, and reporting on the progress of program performance.

The qualified candidate will have demonstrated success leading a team within the cost and schedule requirements of the program.

The position requires a solution-based philosophy and the demonstrated ability to develop practical execution plans in a dynamic and complex environment.

Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of solving complex problems through systematic and objective evaluation of information resulting in effective communication, collaboration, and implementation of a strong operational program foundation with a diverse set of internal and external customers and suppliers.

Strong leadership characteristics are essential as this role drives strategies to meet or exceed cost, schedule, and performance objectives.

This position has significant senior leadership influence as a key interface between Operations and Program execution and requires a candidate with strong organizational and decision-making skills with the ability to lead in an environment of continuous change.

This position requires the ability to report at the Director level including monthly status for Operations planning and execution tasks, inputs into monthly and quarterly Business Unit reporting, and oversight of EVMS for Operations.

Collaboration with Program and functional leaders to develop and nurture a highly competent and engaged team that delivers on commitments and embodies the “best culture” is essential.

What you will get to do:

  • Serve as the Operations IPT Lead for an Operational Unit within the division.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the Operations team (Manufacturing, Global Supply Chain/Supplier Performance Management, Quality & Mission Excellence).
  • Act as a liaison between the Program leadership and the Operations team.
  • Responsible for Operations program cost/schedule performance and risk/opportunity management.
  • Ensure hardware items are repaired, manufactured, tested, and delivered in accordance with turnaround time requirements.
  • Oversee inputs of demands and create schedules in the MRP planning system to coordinate forecast, and report on performance, risk, and mitigation plans to schedule factory management.
  • Coordinate strategic planning across the OU Programs for common parts/builds, and equipment use to ensure efficient resource management.
  • Review and manage Capacity Plans, RWA strategies, Corrective Actions, and Audits for the product line.
  • Attend and/or lead program meetings and provide status including presenting operations status to site leadership.
  • Act as a lead within the Operations team providing training and mentoring.

The Ideal Candidate will Possess:

  • The ability to create trusted relationships with customers and leadership teammates.
  • The ability to effectively present information on complex projects to stakeholders, Sr. Leaders, and Executives
  • Demonstrated ability to manage operational risks and opportunities.
  • Demonstrated ability to serve as the operations focal point to the Program Manager to ensure contract requirement satisfaction.

Basic Qualifications for the Manager Production Operations 2:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or other related disciplines with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working with manufacturing teams, including Global Supply Chain (GSC) and Mission Assurance (MA); OR a Master’s degree with 6 or more years of relevant experience; OR a Ph.D. with 4 or more years of related experience.
  • Experience in cost management, variance analysis, and developing and implementing corrective action plans (or NG CAM experience).
  • Experience demonstrating responsibility, authority, and accountability for cost control account management, and compliance.
  • Experience developing schedule and cost impact assessments and estimating the mitigation costs to implement risk mitigation steps.
  • Experience with Financial and Budgetary systems
  • Experience with MRP systems
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Advanced Packaging or Semiconductors
  • Defense industry Management experience in one of the following disciplines: Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and Program Office
  • Experience with Earned Value Management System
  • Experience with SAP or other MRP systems
  • Experience with management and handling of government property
  • Experience with proposal generation
  • Experience directing and implementing Root Cause & Corrective Action

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $139,800.00 - $209,800.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Want jobs like this matched to you?

SimpleCareer scores fresh postings against your résumé so you only see the matches that matter.

Get started free