Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist - job 2 of 3

As a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, your key responsibilities include sourcing and procuring specialized goods and services, managing subcontract performance, and developing detailed subcontract specifications. You will also oversee contract proposals from initiation to execution, work closely with cross-functional teams, evaluate supplier quality, and implement cost-reduction strategies. Your role will allow you to leverage your negotiation skills and compliance knowledge to ensure successful procurement processes for our innovative projects.

To apply for the Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist role at Northrop Grumman, you need a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience in supply chain or business management. Alternatively, a Master’s Degree coupled with at least 3 years of experience qualifies you. You should have a solid understanding of US-government procurements, subcontract negotiations, and compliance with regulations like FAR and DFARS. Experience with SAP or similar business applications is also a plus. We seek candidates who are adept in managing international subcontracts and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills.

At Northrop Grumman, the work environment for a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist is collaborative and innovative. You’ll be part of a team that values intellectual curiosity and cognitive diversity. With options to work remotely anywhere in the continental U.S., the culture emphasizes both flexibility and teamwork. Employees are encouraged to connect, share ideas, and think boldly as they tackle projects that contribute to national security and technological advancements. Expect open communication and a supportive atmosphere that inspires you to perform your best work.

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package to its Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialists which includes health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, and a savings plan. Additionally, employees enjoy company-paid holidays, paid time off for personal business or vacations, contingent bonuses based on performance, and opportunities for career development. The company is committed to recognizing and rewarding the contributions of its employees to ensure a fulfilling work experience.

The salary range for a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman is between $82,900 and $136,800, depending on experience, education, and the specific responsibilities of the role. This range serves as a guideline and actual offers may vary based on individual qualifications and market conditions. Additionally, employees may qualify for overtime pay, shift differentials, and bonuses, contributing to an attractive compensation package overall.

When answering this question, highlight specific instances where you successfully negotiated contracts, focusing on the outcomes. Discuss the types of contracts you've handled, particularly those over $10 million, and showcase your approach to negotiation strategy, including the tactics you employed. It's also valuable to mention any collaboration with legal teams or stakeholders during these negotiations.

Respond by outlining a systematic approach to supplier performance assessment. Mention the criteria you typically evaluate, such as quality of goods, reliability, compliance with regulations, and delivery schedules. Highlight your experience with performance metrics and any tools or methodologies you utilize, including Lean Six Sigma, to enhance supplier quality and efficiency.

Discuss your conflict resolution techniques, emphasizing the importance of communication and building strong relationships. Share examples of situations where you resolved disputes effectively, possibly through negotiation or mediation, while maintaining supplier partnerships. Focus on your willingness to find win-win solutions and keep projects on track.

Elaborate on your knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), explaining their roles in government contracting. Highlight your practical experience in applying these regulations to ensure compliance in procurement processes. Provide examples of how you've navigated regulatory challenges in past roles to secure favorable contract terms.

When addressing this question, describe how you collaborated within an IPT. Discuss your interactions with cross-disciplinary teams, including engineering, quality assurance, and program management. Emphasize your role in aligning procurement goals with project timelines and how strong communication facilitated the success of team objectives.

Provide a list of software and tools you're experienced with, such as SAP or other business applications. Discuss how you've utilized these tools to enhance procurement processes, manage supplier relationships, and track contract compliance. If you've implemented new tools or systems, explain the impact it had on efficiencies or cost savings.

Share a specific example of a cost-reduction strategy you developed and executed. Explain the process, the analysis behind the decision, and the results achieved. Make sure to mention how you engaged stakeholders during the implementation and what metrics you used to measure success.

Describe your systematic approach to ensuring compliance. This includes staying informed about relevant laws and regulations, conducting regular audits, and maintaining clear documentation. Also, share how you train your team on compliance matters and develop guidelines to prevent violations.

Discuss the critical factors you evaluate, such as risk mitigation, compliance with regulations, and the implications of payment provisions. Share any experiences where you negotiated favorable terms or navigated exceptions effectively, and explain how such evaluations have safeguarded project interests.

Your answer should reflect a genuine interest in Northrop Grumman's mission and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects. Mention the company's reputation for innovation, the exciting nature of the work, and your desire to contribute your skills in supply chain management to impactful missions.