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Marissa, Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman Corporation: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from political science to a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, a path forged through an event planning role, an MBA in supply chain management, and key internships.
This professional's work involves managing complex contracts, demanding strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, compliance-focused environment.
The role combines legal expertise with supply chain passion, offering daily interactions with internal and external stakeholders nationwide.
A love for the innovative work in aerospace and defense, coupled with challenges involving unpredictable external factors, keeps the work engaging.
Mentorship and leadership opportunities are highlighted as key elements in career success, along with the value of practical experience, targeted education in contract law, and the importance of networking.
The interview emphasizes the immense value of internships and personalized career coaching in navigating a fulfilling and impactful career in supply chain management, particularly within the aerospace and defense sector.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marissa Simone
Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Pepperdine University
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey, MBA in Supply Chain
Political Science, American Studies
Aerospace & Defense
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
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Career Path of a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman
Marissa's career path started with a political science degree, followed by "a dream job" as an event planner and fundraiser, which led to an MBA in supply chain management at Syracuse University after recognizing a need for "business savvy." This pivot resulted in an internship at AT&T and Marissa's current position as a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, showcasing a successful transition from politics to the business world.
Responsibilities of a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman
Marissa's role as a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman involves "managing contracts with...suppliers" requiring strong contract knowledge, organizational skills, and relationship management with both suppliers and internal stakeholders; this position blends legal expertise with supply chain passion, making it ideal for individuals considering legal fields but interested in supply chain management.
A Day In The Life Of A Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist At Northrop Grumman
A day as a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist involves managing contracts and coordinating with numerous stakeholders, including suppliers, engineers, and finance, where "the buck stops with you for the answer". This role blends contract management responsibilities with significant interaction, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy working with people and words, rather than solely numbers, within a highly compliance-focused environment.
Top Skills For a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman
Marissa, a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist, highlights communication as a crucial skill, emphasizing the need to interact with suppliers daily and relaying issues effectively both internally and externally. The importance of being detail-oriented is also stressed, as "it is very easy...to get a part number wrong," necessitating thoroughness to maintain strong contracts and support both suppliers and the organization.
Favorite Parts of Being a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman
Marissa enjoys the "people facing" aspect of her Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist role at Northrop Grumman, interacting with internal stakeholders and external suppliers nationwide to learn from their extensive industry experience. The challenging and constantly evolving nature of supply chain work, requiring "problem solving" in unprecedented situations, is also a rewarding aspect of the position.
Biggest Challenges for a Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman
Marissa's biggest challenge as a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman is dealing with "things that I cannot control," such as natural disasters or system failures impacting delivery, requiring creative problem-solving to ensure timely product delivery in a volatile industry. This highlights the unpredictable nature of supply chain management and the need for adaptability in the face of external factors.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Aerospace And Defense Industry As A Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist At Northrop Grumman
Marissa, a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, enjoys the "growing industry" of aerospace and defense, specifically the innovative work and the drive to accomplish "things that have never been done before" in space exploration and national defense. The passion of colleagues who have served, combined with the industry's mission to keep the country safe, further contributes to Marissa's satisfaction.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Supply Chain Industry According To A Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist At Northrop Grumman
Marissa, a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist, highlights the need for "a driven individual" who is "very good at problem-solving" and "very organized" to thrive in supply chain, particularly in aerospace and defense where a technical background is advantageous. The role also appeals to those interested in the legal field, as "there are so many other ways that you can still exercise that muscle and those skills" within subcontracts and supply chain.
What A Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist At Northrop Grumman Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Supply Chain Industry
Marissa, a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, wished for more focused education before entering the industry, specifically "additional time to prepare for this role" with more contract law classes, recognizing the significant "contractual background or legalese" involved in daily tasks. While on-the-job learning has been valuable, additional preparation in this area would have been beneficial, though the specifics vary between companies.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Supply Chain Specialists at Northrop Grumman
Marissa, a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist, strongly recommends undergraduate internships as "the best way to get your foot in the door," citing personal experience with multiple internships leading to long-term employment. These internships offer valuable industry exposure, visibility for converting to full-time roles, and the opportunity to explore different roles before committing to a specific career path.
Significant Career Lesson From A Supply Chain Specialist At Northrop Grumman
Marissa's career journey highlights the value of practical experience before pursuing further education, stating that "it really helped me understand what I wanted to do," and emphasizes the importance of active engagement through thoughtful questioning and meticulous note-taking to excel professionally and become a valuable resource within their organization.
College Experiences That Helped a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman Succeed
Marissa, a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, advises students to pursue leadership opportunities in college, emphasizing that "it doesn't hurt to try" and noting the value of networking and mentorship gained from participation in an ambassador's council. This experience, despite a career pivot from political science, fostered valuable leadership development applicable across various industries.
How Identity Has Influenced A Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist's Career At Northrop Grumman
Marissa's career benefited greatly from strong female leadership, stating "I've had a lot of female bosses, executives," and this positive experience highlights the importance of mentorship and allyship in navigating a male-dominated field; lacking such support, finding colleagues who will "advocate for you and share your ideas" is crucial for professional success.
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