Senior Director of Programs

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Buffalo
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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. Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. Northrop Grumman’s Multidomain Sensing, Targeting and Survivability Division has an immediate opening for an Operating Unit Senior Director of Programs and Site Lead of our Amherst Systems facility. This position will be located in Buffalo, NY , requiring travel to other Northrop Grumman facilities, customer, and supplier sites as needed. The site consists of approximately 400 employees to include engineering, manufacturing, Program Management Office and other support functions. It is a matrixed environment that reports into our Rolling Meadows, IL facility. The position reports directly to the Electronic Warfare & Targeting Business Unit VP. The site leader will oversee all facets of the site including but not limited to program execution, business development and strategy, security, maintenance, and all other work that ensures the safety, sustainment, and growth of the facility. The site leader will also be responsible to maintain overall site culture, ethics, and morale, ensuring active ERG leadership and participation, and conducting quarterly site all hands meetings. As the Amherst Systems Director, the director will be tasked with ensuring successful execution of existing programs, as well as the strategic pursuit of new business opportunities to grow the business portfolio. In addition, the director will be responsible for the direct management and people leadership of a team of program managers leading the various programs and pursuits in the portfolio. Additionally, as the Site Lead, the director will be responsible for the overall indirect leadership of all supporting disciplines on-site to ensure achievement of Operating Unit goals. The successful candidate must be proactive and execution-oriented in his/her approach toward business development & program execution. He/she must have a strong understanding of Business Development Operations & Program Execution to ensure that institutional discipline is achieved and is persistent within the organization. He/she must be capable of broad, strategic thinking with respect to emerging customer needs, competitive positioning, and requisite capabilities, with the ability to guide the organization toward the strategic and tactical actions necessary to optimize growth for the business. In doing so, the director will develop and execute growth strategies, manage the new business pipeline, identify new business opportunities, establish pursuit priorities, and support the development of successful capture plans. In parallel, the director will need to oversee the successful execution of a number of challenging development programs and coach his/her team of program managers where necessary to instill a strong culture of disciplined program execution. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of program/project management executing and/or growing a diverse new business pipeline in the defense sector Prior profit and loss leadership Lead a diverse team of functional and program direct reports in developing and executing the vision and business strategy to achieve and exceed growth and overall financial objectives. Demonstrated expertise in customer shaping and engagement strategies. Current relationships within the customer community spanning the DoD and Prime Contractors. Demonstrated program execution expertise. Ability to build and lead a program management team with a vision for success and capable of delegating responsibilities to the appropriate team members. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills. Ability to obtain a TOP SECRET / SCI clearance. Must be a US citizen. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in business administration or and advanced technical or national security strategy field. Site leadership experience in a matrixed environment 10 years of program/project management executing and/or growing a diverse new business pipeline in the defense sector Knowledge of Northrop Grumman internal processes, procedures, and organization. Demonstrated ability to present strategies to a variety of customer and internal executive audiences. Current TOP SECRET / SCI clearance. Primary Level Salary Range: $242,100.00 - $363,100.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Buffalo , Senior Director of Programs, Engineering , Buffalo, New York