Chief Of Staff For Production Operations
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems sector is seeking a Chief of Staff for the sector Production Operations team. This role can be located onsite in Huntsville, AL; Roy, UT; McLean, VA; or Linthicum, MD.
The Chief of Staff, Production Operations is a strategic partner and right hand to the Vice President of Sector Production Operations. This role is responsible for enabling the effectiveness of the production operations leadership team by driving alignment, accountability, and execution across the organization. The Chief of Staff provides leverage to the VP Sector Prod Ops by ensuring priorities are executed with discipline, communications are streamlined, and the organization remains focused on delivering operational excellence in safety, quality, delivery, cost, facilities management, and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the VP Prod Ops to set strategic priorities, translate them into actionable initiatives, and ensure consistent execution across operations.
- Manage the VP Prod Ops operating rhythm (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual) including reviews, leadership meetings, and strategy deployment sessions.
- Drive cross-functional alignment across sector and division manufacturing, quality, EHS, facilities and continuous improvement teams.
Business & Performance Management
Oversee and track progress of key operational initiatives, KPIs, and transformation programs; identify risks, escalate barriers, and ensure corrective actions.Prepare and facilitate balanced scorecard reviews, tiered accountability sessions, and leadership operating reviews.Develop and monitor business cases, cost improvement initiatives, and capital investments.Organizational Effectiveness
Act as an integrator across the production operations leadership team, ensuring alignment, clarity of roles, and execution discipline.Lead special projects on behalf of the VP Prod Ops, particularly those requiring cross-functional coordination or enterprise-wide impact.Support talent development initiatives, succession planning, and organizational capability building.Communications & Engagement
Craft internal and external communications on behalf of the VP Prod Ops for executive updates, and employee engagement.Ensure consistent messaging of operational priorities across all levels of the organization.Drive preparation for key executive and functional reviews.Key Competencies
Strategic Operator Sees the big picture but translates vision into structured plans.Execution Driver Ensures priorities are delivered with discipline and measurable results.Connector & Integrator Bridges gaps across teams, functions, and leadership.Confidant & Advisor Trusted thought partner to the VP Prod Ops, able to act with discretion and integrity.Change Leader Champions continuous improvement, operational transformation, and cultural alignment.Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field. Additional four years can be considered in lieu of degree.8+ years of progressive experience in operations, strategy, program / project management, or related fields.Strong background in aerospace / defense or industrial manufacturing is highly preferred.Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing.Proven ability to manage large-scale initiatives, establish disciplined operating rhythms, and drive accountability across complex organizations.Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.Demonstrated ability to influence and build trust with senior leaders while working across multiple functions.Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance.Ability to travel up to 50%.Preferred Qualifications :
MS or MBA degree in a technical, business, or related field.In-depth understanding of Northrop Grumman's industry and proven experience navigating it effectively.Ability to analyze program financial performance and provide strategic recommendations.Experience supporting complex programs and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.Ability to balance and influence competing priorities.Active Secret security clearance.