ERP Implementation Lead
About the Role
The ERP Implementation Lead is responsible for leading the enterprise-wide deployment of a pilot-validated ERP solution for the Structural Castings and IGT Business Segment across multiple manufacturing locations. Following the successful development and validation of the ERP system at a pilot site, this role will drive the rollout of the standardized solution throughout the organization while ensuring consistent adoption of common business processes and best practices. The ERP Implementation Lead will coordinate cross-functional teams, develop deployment plans, manage implementation schedules, and partner with site leadership to successfully transition each location to the new system. The role serves as the primary liaison between business stakeholders, IT, and implementation partners to ensure each deployment meets operational, financial, and organizational objectives. Following enterprise deployment, the ERP Implementation Lead will own the continuous improvement roadmap for the ERP platform, driving enhancements, refining business processes, prioritizing new capabilities, and maximizing the long-term business value of the system.
This position can be based out of Cleveland, OH, La Porte, IN, Hampton, VA or Whitehall, MI.
Key Responsibilities
- ERP Program Leadership
- Lead the enterprise-wide deployment of the company's pilot-validated ERP solution.
- Develop and execute the deployment strategy and rollout roadmap for multiple manufacturing and business locations.
- Ensure successful replication of standardized business processes while identifying and addressing site-specific operational requirements.
- Coordinate cross-functional deployment teams including Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, Quality, IT, and external implementation partners.
- Manage implementation schedules, resources, risks, dependencies, and issue resolution across multiple concurrent deployments.
- Monitor deployment progress and communicate status, risks, and milestones to executive leadership.
- Drive organizational readiness, cutover planning, and go-live support for each implementation site.
- Business Process Transformation
- Lead the evaluation, standardization, and redesign of business processes to align with ERP best practices.
- Ensure consistent business processes are deployed across all implementation sites.
- Balance business requirements with standard ERP functionality while minimizing unnecessary customization.
- Drive data governance, master data quality, and process discipline.
- Leverage lessons learned from the pilot implementation to improve deployment methodology, implementation tools, training materials, and governance for future site rollouts.
- Organizational Change Management
- Build strong partnerships with site leadership and functional leaders.
- Lead communication, stakeholder engagement, and change management activities.
- Coordinate user training, readiness assessments, and adoption efforts.
- Champion organizational acceptance of new business processes and system capabilities.
- Continuous Improvement
- Following implementation, lead ongoing ERP optimization by identifying opportunities to improve business processes and system utilization.
- Capture best practices and lessons learned from each deployment to continuously refine the enterprise ERP template and implementation approach.
- Prioritize enhancement requests and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner with business leaders to define future capabilities and system roadmap.
- Standardize and monitor key performance metrics to measure ERP effectiveness.
- Ensure governance around configuration changes and process improvements.
- Vendor & Partner Management
- Manage relationships with ERP software vendors, system integrators, and consulting partners.
- Coordinate implementation resources and ensure deliverables meet quality expectations.
- Review project deliverables and ensure alignment with business objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
- Seven (7) years minimum experience working with ERP systems, with at least five (5) years of experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading change management initiatives, ERP deployments, or large-scale business transformation projects.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing business processes, including production, supply chain, inventory management, procurement, and finance.
- Excellent project management, communication, facilitation, analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to travel to domestic and international manufacturing locations as required to support ERP deployments.
- 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.
- This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or Computer Science preferred.
- Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or Computer Science highly desired.
- Ten (10) or more years of ERP experience in a manufacturing environment highly desired.
- Five (5) years leading ERP implementation, business transformation, or change management initiatives preferred.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational adoption of new business processes and technologies.
- Comfortable balancing competing operational priorities.
- Experience with ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Infor, Epicor, or similar enterprise systems.
- PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or Agile certification.
- Experience in manufacturing, aerospace, industrial, or engineered products industries.
- Experience with multi-site implementations.
About Us
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 $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, 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.