Northrop Grumman is seeking a Manager, Independent Cost Evaluation (ICE) for our Corporate office, located in Falls Church, VA. Due to this position's requirement for significant travel (up to 35%) to proposal work locations, the candidate may work remotely or from any Northrop Grumman site within the U.S., offering flexibility on work location.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Key member of an independent review team responsible for evaluating the executability and cost realism of proposals that trigger pre-defined review thresholds.
- This role requires the selected candidate to perform rigorous, unbiased cost assessments using a combination of external industry data, internal program performance data, historical actuals, and data provided by proposal teams.
- The ICE Manager develops an independent range of cost uncertainty around point estimates provided by proposal teams in conjunction with sector ICE resources to deliver well-substantiated insights to support decision-making on major proposals.
- Additionally, this role involves contributing to the development of standardized tools, methodologies, and processes for cost assessment across the various sectors.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Manage the independent review process for major proposals, overseeing the development of robust independent cost estimates that assess the executability and realism of proposal team data.
- Establish and continuously improve standardized methodologies, tools, and frameworks for cost evaluation to enhance consistency and reliability across sectors.
- Ensure alignment of independent assessments with organizational strategic objectives, presenting findings and providing strategic advice to senior leadership and decision-makers.
- Direct the preparation and presentation of clear, comprehensive ICE output to internal and external stakeholders, including management, proposal teams, sector leadership, customers, and auditors.
- Liaise with proposal teams and functional representatives, to ensure the validity and accuracy of data inputs while maintaining a neutral and unbiased stance in evaluations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Possess advanced expertise in cost estimating, independent cost evaluation, and financial analysis.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of best practices in proposal reviews and independent assessments.
- Use advanced problem-solving techniques and innovative strategies to address complex evaluation challenges.
- Directly oversee multiple, simultaneous independent cost evaluation projects, delegating tasks and responsibilities appropriately to ensure accuracy and alignment with deadlines.
- Influence organizational strategy by delivering independent cost evaluations that enhance decision-making on high-value proposals.
- Frequently interact with senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, conducting high-level briefings and providing expert advisement on cost evaluation matters.
Impact:
- The Independent Cost Evaluation Manager plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s ability to assess and make informed decisions on high-value proposals. Accurate and thorough independent cost estimates significantly influence resource allocation, competitive positioning, customer satisfaction, and the long-term success of the company.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of related professional experience in pricing, estimating, contracts, global supply chain, business management, or program management; OR a Master’s degree with 6 years of related professional experience as described.
Extensive experience supporting pricing and estimating in U.S. Government, commercial, or international proposals.
Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and relevant audit standards.
Demonstrated experience leading teams or initiatives focused on process improvement and technology modernization for pricing, estimating, or business management functions.
Experience presenting and explaining complex information to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership.
Ability to travel up to 35% of the time to required sites for reviews.
- An active DoD Secret Clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Clearance within a reasonable amount of time following hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in engineering or business from an accredited institution.
- Cross-sector experience is highly desirable.
- Ten years of relevant experience, including expertise in cost analysis, business management, or operations research, with strong knowledge of quantitative risk techniques, cost and risk modeling, and government contracts.
- Experience in the aerospace industry.
- Active or transferable Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
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