Weapons Systems Division Director, Contracts

Northrop Grumman

. Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Contracts organization supporting the Weapons Systems Division .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeNorthridge • California • United StatesLead💰 $210,100 - $330,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in contract management, negotiation, and compliance within the aerospace and defense sectors, with a strong focus on U.S. Government contracting practices and leadership in team development and process improvement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract NegotiationFAR/DFARS ComplianceLeadership ExperienceTeam DevelopmentU.S. Government Contracting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract ManagementRisk AssessmentChange ManagementEarned Value ManagementBusiness Case Analysis

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationNegotiation SkillsPresentation SkillsAbility to Manage Multiple Priorities

Tools & Technologies

ExcelPowerPointWordSharePoint

Certifications & Qualifications

NCMA CertificationCPCMCFCMCCCM

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseWeapons SystemsDoD ContractsInternational Contracts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Contracts organization supporting the Weapons Systems Division
Directly manage contract managers and administrators
Lead development, review, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, MOUs, teaming agreements, and related agreements
Advise division and program leadership on contract strategy, terms and conditions, risk allocation, and compliance implications
Interpret and apply FAR/DFARS, DoD and customer regulations, and internal procedures
Drive standardized contracts processes, tools, controls, and best practices across the division
Assess contractual risks and opportunities and implement mitigation and value-capture strategies
Oversee contract change management, including REAs, claims, equitable adjustments, and modifications
Partner with Program Management and Finance on proposal strategy, pricing approaches, and business case development
Support gate reviews, internal approvals, and executive briefings
Represent Contracts in customer meetings, negotiations, and executive reviews
Develop customer, partner, and internal stakeholder relationships
Lead, coach, and develop the Contracts team, including workload balancing, career development, and succession planning
Monitor performance metrics for the division’s contracts portfolio
Ensure timely and accurate contract setup, data integrity, and documentation
Support DCMA, DCAA, internal compliance, and other audits, assessments, and reviews
Champion an ethical, compliant, and inclusive culture within the Contracts organization and Weapons Systems Division
Report directly to the Defense Systems Sector Vice President of Contracts, ITC, and Government Property, with a dotted-line relationship to the Vice President and General Manager of the Weapons Systems Division

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10+ years or Master’s degree with 8+ years of contracts experience in the aerospace/defense or closely related industry, with significant experience supporting U.S. Government (DoD) contracts or professional experience
Experience leading contract negotiation and administration for complex, high value development and/or production programs
Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and U.S. Government contracting practices, including CPFF, CPIF, FFP, T&M, IDIQ, and OTA contract types
Leadership experience managing and developing a team or leading cross-functional contract efforts
Ability to partner effectively with Program Management, Business Development/Capture, Finance, and other functional stakeholders
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast paced, matrixed environment
Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, etc.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to Top Secret
Ability to travel up to 25%
Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD, or related field) preferred
NCMA certification (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or equivalent professional certification preferred
Experience leading contracts for Weapons Systems or similar complex hardware/software-intensive defense programs preferred
Experience with international contracts, FMS/DCS, ITAR/EAR considerations, and offset requirements preferred
Experience driving process improvements and implementing standardized contracts practices and tools preferred
Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), program finance concepts, and business case analysis preferred
Prior experience interfacing with DCMA, DCAA, or other oversight/regulatory agencies preferred
Current active Top Secret clearance preferred
U.S. Citizenship is required for positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime may be available depending on the position
Shift differential may be available depending on the position
Discretionary bonus
Long Term Incentives may be available for Vice President or Director positions
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business