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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sector QM&I Dir 2 Manufacturing Planning Defense Systems - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $190,100.0 - $330,100.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle (Applications), Power BI, SAP APO, SQL Databases, Tableau (Software), Expertise in Kinaxis, Modeling and Simulation, Real Time Data, Operational Systems, Siop - **Published:** May 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=10aecccf8c5b9a79 ## About the Role * Demonstrated ability to lead large, matrixed teams and influence senior stakeholders. * Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to convey complex planning concepts to non-technical audiences. * Strong quantitative skills; comfortable with statistical forecasting, simulation modeling, and scenario analysis., * Bachelor's degree with 10 plus years of relevant experience OR Master's degree with 8 plus years of relevant experience * 10+ years progressive experience in manufacturing operations. * At least 5 years in a senior planning or scheduling leadership role. * ERP expertise (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics). * Experience working with data-analytics tools (SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau). * Experience working with Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) systems (e.g., SAP APO, Kinaxis RapidResponse, Oracle Demantra). * Proven application of Lean, Six Sigma, and TOC principles. * Certified Lean Practitioner * Proven ability to build and maintain high performing teams. * Proven ability to take ownership and be accountable with an "owners" mindset. * Strong interpersonal skills, an exceptional self-starter attitude, and the ability to produce in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. * Strong business/financial acumen, keen organizational skills, and excellent problem-solving ability. * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to Top Secret, * Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain or a related field. * Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent. * Experience in high-mix, low-volume or make-to-order environments. * Experience developing digital factories and Operational Technology (OT) strategies. * Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, digital twins) as they apply to production planning. * Active Top Secret Clearance ## Description The Sector QM&I Director 2, Manufacturing Planning, Defense Systems leads the strategic planning, scheduling, and execution of all manufacturing activities to ensure optimal production throughput, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations (or equivalent), the director sets the vision for integrated planning processes, drives continuous improvement, and partners with supply-chain, engineering, quality, and finance teams to align production capacity with business demand., * Develop and maintain long-term (1-5 year) production capacity plans aligned with corporate growth objectives. * Lead demand-driven forecasting initiatives, integrating sales outlook, market trends, and product-lifecycle considerations. * Evaluate and recommend capital-investment projects (equipment, facilities, automation) to close capacity gaps. Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) & Production Control * Own the Integrated Master Schedule that consolidates demand, supply, capacity, and material availability across all sites and product families. * Ensure the IMS is refreshed on a regular cadence (daily/weekly) and communicated to all functional stakeholders. * Direct Production Control activities, including real-time monitoring of shop-floor execution, deviation management, and corrective-action coordination. * Implement and maintain robust control boards (e.g., KPI dashboards, exception reports) to provide visibility into schedule adherence, bottlenecks, and inventory levels. Sales-Inventory-Operations Planning (SIOP) * Chair the SIOP process, aligning sales forecasts, inventory policies, and operational capabilities into a single, executable plan. * Facilitate cross-functional SIOP meetings, drive consensus on demand-supply balancing, and secure senior-leadership approval of the final plan. * Track SIOP performance metrics (forecast accuracy, plan reliability, inventory turns) and lead continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance plan quality. Digital Ecosystem and Operational Technology (OT) Strategies * Define and execute a roadmap for building "Digital Factories," integrating advanced automation, IoT sensors, and real-time data analytics into production lines. * Establish change-management strategies, training programs, and communication plans to ensure user adoption and cultural readiness across all manufacturing sites. * Champion continuous improvement by leveraging advanced analytics, AI/ML models, and digital twins to optimize scheduling, inventory, and capacity planning. Production Scheduling & Execution * Oversee the creation of Master Production Schedules (MPS) and detailed shop-floor schedules, ensuring feasibility across all work centers. * Deploy Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) tools to balance workload, minimize changeovers, and meet delivery commitments. * Resolve bottlenecks and priority conflicts through real-time data analysis and cross-functional coordination. Inventory & Material Management * Define optimal inventory targets (raw material, WIP, finished goods) using inventory-optimization models. * Collaborate with procurement and logistics to secure timely material supply while minimizing excess stock. Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives * Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodologies to improve plan reliability and reduce lead times. * Lead regular performance reviews (e.g., OEE, schedule adherence, forecast accuracy) and drive corrective-action plans. Team Leadership & Development * Build, coach, and mentor a high-performing planning organization (planners, schedulers, analysts). * Establish clear KPIs, career-development paths, and succession plans for the team. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Partner with product development to incorporate new-product introductions (NPIs) into the IMS and SIOP. * Work closely with finance on cost-to-serve analysis, budgeting, and profitability assessments. * Serve as a key liaison with customers on delivery commitments and exception handling. ## Related Videos - [Beyond Dashboards: Fixing Text-to-SQL with Semantic RAG](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2036-beyond-dashboards-fixing-text-to-sql-with-semantic-rag) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and more: A comparison of modern API styles](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100247-rest-graphql-grpc-and-more-a-comparison-of-modern-api-styles) - [Industrial AI: Built for reality, operation, and people](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2074-industrial-ai-built-for-reality-operation-and-people) - [Blueprints for Success: Steering a Global Data & AI Architecture](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1577-blueprints-for-success-steering-a-global-data-ai-architecture) - [Data Analytics with Microsoft Fabric: End-to-End Use Case with Data Agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1547-data-analytics-with-microsoft-fabric-end-to-end-use-case-with-data-agents) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development) - [The Fastest-Growing Tech Sectors to Look Out for in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/373-the-fastest-growing-tech-sectors-to-look-out-for-in-2025) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts)