We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager 3 - Manufacturing & Logistics to support production and manufacturing operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities.
The Manager 3 - Manufacturing & Logistics is a senior operations leader responsible for daily production and materials/logistics operations across our Central Virginia manufacturing sites, with primary presence in Charlottesville and regular engagement in Waynesboro. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production; leads the manufacturing management team; and directly oversees the materials and logistics organization supporting both facilities.
The leader partners closely with cross-functional teams (e.g. Engineering, Quality, Programs, Global Supply Chain) to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while driving continuous improvement and operational readiness.
What You'll Get to Do:
Production Leadership & Execution
Own daily production operations across Charlottesville and Waynesboro, ensuring adherence to production schedules and customer commitments.
Translate program and demand requirements into executable shop floor plans; balance capacity, labor, and material availability.
Adjust plans to address change orders, constraints, or emergent issues while maintaining safety, quality, cost and delivery performance.
Operational Excellence & Performance Management
Monitor and drive KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and productivity across both sites. Examples of KPIs: Lost workdays, Rework, First Time Yield, On Time to Contract, Health of WIP, Utilization, Total OH Ratio, Performance to Standard Work.
Apply lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, standard work, visual management) to improve flow, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.
Lead teams through structured problem solving and root cause analyses to eliminate recurring issues in production operations and materials/logistics.
Materials & Logistics Management
Provide direct leadership for the Materials & Logistics teams supporting Charlottesville and Waynesboro.
Own material planning and coordination with Supply Chain/Procurement to ensure production readiness and minimal disruptions.
Oversee inventory control, cycle counting, warehousing, kitting, and point-of-use material delivery to work cells.
Lead shipping/receiving operations and logistics processes to support on-time delivery, inventory turns, and past-due reduction.
Implement and sustain standards, processes, and digital tools for materials handling, traceability, and logistics performance.
Quality, Compliance & Readiness
Ensure products meet or exceed internal and external quality requirements; support and drive corrective and preventive actions.
Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with manufacturing workmanship standards and regulatory requirements.
Champion standardization of processes and documentation across sites to support repeatable, compliant operations.
Team Leadership & Culture
Lead and develop manufacturing supervisors, materials/logistics leaders, and production teams across Central Virginia.
Responsible for senior management of non-exempt manufacturing personnel. Ensuring adherence and accountability to work schedules and employee handbook (or equivalent) standards.
Recruit, train, and coach staff; set clear goals and expectations and drive accountability and performance.
Foster a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement, with a clear “standard that must be met” coupled with appropriate support.
Communicate effectively with frontline staff, peers, and senior leadership.
Budgeting, Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Develop and manage departmental budgets; control labor, material, and overhead costs while meeting business objectives.
Prepare and present performance reports, variance analyses, and improvement plans to senior management.
Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, EH&S, Finance, and Program teams to support new product introductions, process changes, and manufacturing readiness.
Lead or support change management initiatives that impact production, materials/logistics processes, and site operations.
In addition, the Manager 3 – Manufacturing & Logistics should have:
Proven ability to balance support and coaching with maintaining high operational standards.
Proficiency with production management systems (e.g., ERP/MES) and materials/logistics processes.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with proven effectiveness collaborating across functional areas and levels of the organization.
Understanding of manufacturing and production concepts and their application to day-to-day operations.
Ability to make decisions that impact the organization’s credibility, operations, and services.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, set priorities, resolve conflicts, and drive accountability.
Basic Qualifications for the Manager 3 – Manufacturing & Logistics:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience in manufacturing/production, assembly, engineering and/or logistics OR a Master’s degree with seven (7) years of relevant experience in manufacturing/production, assembly, engineering and/or logistics.
At least five (5) years of experience in management/leadership of people and/or processes.
Experience with production management systems (e.g., ERP/MES) and materials/logistics processes.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and how it could be used in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
US Citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ten (10) years of direct leadership experience, including at least five (5) years managing managers or multi-disciplinary teams.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, industrial engineering, operations management).
Manufacturing, production, or engineering experience in electronics and/or assembly/test.
Experience leading materials/logistics organizations and integrating materials planning with production operations.
Knowledge of Constraint Theory, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with Manufacturing Workmanship Standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-WHMA-A-620, IPC-J-STD-001).
Experience working across functional organizations and multiple sites.
Quality Management experience, particularly in electronics or defense manufacturing environments.
Experience with digital tools to support shop floor execution, materials management, and KPI visibility.
Active Secret clearance.
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!
Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman con