Senior Operations Leader

Howmet Aerospace, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

This position will be located in the Plant 3, Whitehall Casting Operation.

Job Roles

• Empowering talent--identifies and removes obstacles to productivity at individual and systemic levels; inspires and equips people to perform; understands direct link between people and measurable performance; provides cross-training opportunities.
• Flexibility--responds readily to a variety of stimuli in an environment where every day can be different; capable of multitasking and moving quickly from one topic to another; employs different mindsets or perspectives situationally.
• Organized and time conscious--manages time well; does what is needed efficiently; understands how long processes require and manages expectations; accordingly, navigates the tension between availability and proactivity. 
• Business-minded--aligns people and resources to demand; forecasts need and synthesizes input to anticipate focus areas on a time and project basis; thorough understanding of business enables quick decisions where appropriate.
• Interpretation and synthesis--makes sense of multiple inputs quickly and efficiently; generates action plans from available information; interprets data and qualitative information to provide justification and purpose; rationalizes decision making with substantive reasoning; understands relevant numbers and trends. 
• Rigor--participates in audit processes; utilizes existing systems extensively and expertly; solicits information from shift level to enterprise; creates processes through continuous improvement.
• Team orientation--often involved at a tactical level; can contribute technically or operationally if needed, though not as first option; retains authority while delegating ownership.
• Trust and relationship--communicates openly and regularly, maintaining information flow; visible on floor; focuses attention on strengths and achievements, while addressing shortcomings as needed.
• Ingenuity--finds efficiencies and gains time closer to delivery; solicits and implements ideas; invites improvement from any sector or level.
• Professional posture--handles escalations objectively and dispassionately; recasts difficult situations as opportunities for learning and growth; custodian of plant environment and brand.

Job Responsibilities

The Operations Manager is a staff level position responsible for providing leadership in manufacturing excellence, ensuring customer satisfaction and continuous improvement of plant performance measurements (quality, productivity, cycle time, delivery, and cash flow).

• Follow Safety Regulations along with all department specific safety requirements.
• OEE
• Production Value Added by department.
• Daily targets for shipments
• Profit/Revenue
• Ensure the safety of all employees by promoting a clean and safe work environment.
• Improve manufacturing planning, execution, and shop floor discipline.
• Provide leadership for Plant ABS and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Provide leadership to identify and remove non-value-added waste.
• Improve product flow and/or implement method improvements to reduce labor content.
• Develop and train for the professional and personal growth of team leaders, cell facilitators, supervisors, and other manufacturing support personnel.
• Address any safety issues or non-compliances immediately.
• Promote Injury Free Event (IFE) reporting.
• Accountable for applicable department budgets.
• Maintain good relations and communication with Howmet customers.
• Develop with plant manager and staff budget, strategic plans, team goals and objectives that align with BU objectives.
• Flow down goals and objectives to the entire organization.
• Contribute to other location specific and corporate teams.
• Maintain excellent delivery performance.
• Conduct capacity analysis to drive standard work and ensure accuracy of standards.
• Drive cost reductions to improve profitability.
• Use lean manufacturing tools to reduce WIP and cycle time.
• Communicate all relevant information to Staff, customers, and management.
• Understand constraint management, OEE and apply techniques that exploit constraints to improve OEE.
• Provide leadership in implementing continuous improvement methods and ideas.
• Consults with engineering personnel relative to modifications to the process to improve production and quality of the products.
• Provide leadership in a safety and continuous improvement initiatives.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience.  Experience must include leadership roles in operations, production, CI, and supply chain in manufacturing.
• ​Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the investment casting industry a plus.
• Strong leadership skills that create an engaged employee environment.
• Able to drive improvement through the implementation of the lean manufacturing principles, total quality practices, six sigma.
• A strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes. 
• Strong analytical, problem solving, communication, interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills.
• Strong financial literacy
• Experience with tooling, molds and dies relating to the Investment Casting, Injection Molding, or Stamping Industries is preferred.

About Howmet Aerospace

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $6.6 billion in revenue in 2023, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2023 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report.

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Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.


If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com