About this Sr. Principal Contract Negotiation Analyst role at Northrop Grumman
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Contract Negotiation Analyst to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals supporting the Corporate Global Supply Chain procurement organization. This position is remote, however, travel may be required.
The successful candidate will join a team of contract negotiation professionals, including attorneys and JDs, supporting the review, drafting, and negotiation of commercial agreements with third-party suppliers. As a senior individual contributor, this individual will lead complex, non-standard, and high-risk negotiations, including agreements supporting enterprise-wide initiatives and strategic supplier relationships.
Typical duties include reviewing, assessing, drafting, and negotiating proposed terms and conditions, non-disclosure agreements, master agreements, and other contractual documents. These agreements cover a variety of supplier engagements, including professional services, IT hardware and software, equipment, and facilities.
The individual will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risk throughout all phases of the contracting and acquisition process. This role requires sound judgment, substantial independence, and the ability to develop practical negotiation strategies that balance business objectives with contractual risk. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Legal Counsel, Supply Chain and business stakeholders; provide guidance on complex contractual matters; and contribute to improvements in contracting practices and processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the review, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including non-standard, high-risk, multi-year, and strategic supplier agreements.
- Develop and execute negotiation strategies, assess contractual risks, and recommend practical solutions aligned with business objectives and company requirements.
- Advise Supply Chain and business stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations, and risk trade-offs, coordinating with Legal Counsel as appropriate.
- Serve as a resource and escalation point for complex contractual issues, exercising independent judgment and elevating matters requiring additional review or approval.
- Partner with Legal Counsel on recurring and emerging contractual issues, including AI-related provisions, data usage, and other evolving supplier risks.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of contract templates, negotiation guidance, playbooks, and processes that promote consistency and efficiency.
- Mentor less experienced team members and provide guidance on negotiation strategy, risk assessment and stakeholder management.
- Independently manage a varied workload, balancing competing priorities and deadlines while collaborating effectively across functions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of relevant experience in law, supply chain, contracts, or commercial negotiations; or a Juris Doctor degree and at least five years of relevant experience.
- Substantial experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial agreements with third-party suppliers.
- Demonstrated ability to lead high-complexity negotiations, identify and assess contractual risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, written and verbal communication, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to build effective working relationships and influence stakeholders across Legal, Supply Chain and business functions, including senior stakeholders and supplier representatives.
- Ability to contribute effectively as both a senior individual contributor and a collaborative team member.
- U.S. citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Juris Doctor degree; licensed attorney with active bar membership.
- Relevant experience supporting complex commercial contracting and negotiations.
- Experience negotiating agreements involving professional services, IT hardware and software, equipment, facilities and other strategic supplier categories.
- Experience supporting enterprise-wide initiatives, strategic supplier relationships, or other high-value or high-risk commercial transactions.
- Experience addressing contractual issues involving artificial intelligence, data usage, intellectual property, privacy or information security.
- Experience developing or improving contract templates, negotiation playbooks or contracting processes.
- Demonstrated leadership through mentoring, cross-functional collaboration or process improvement initiatives.
