Manager, Manufacturing Operations

About the Role

As a hands-on Manufacturing Operations Manager, you will be responsible for daily production of metal formed and machined components, driving continuity of supply across value streams. You will take a comprehensive value-stream approach to achieve monthly revenue targets, including completion of downstream operations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe, injury/accident-free workplace.
• Provide daily management and leadership of all assigned resources, including TOC, schedule adherence, productivity, personnel development, time and attendance, training, and departmental goal setting/monitoring.
• Manage and update the MOS board daily to track KPIs and actions related to "red" indicators.
• Enhance operational procedures, processes, and systems to improve efficiencies.
• Work independently and collaboratively with other Departmental Leaders/Managers to meet daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
• Interpret and enforce company policies, Federal, State, and local regulations, and lead by example.
• Create and maintain a departmental cross-training matrix and mentor assigned personnel.
• Deploy team members for cross-functional problem-solving to improve production efficiency and product quality.
• Execute production schedules, manage people, assets, tooling, and materials to maximize productivity; engage in schedule or requirement changes and ensure adherence to dispatch (ATD).
• Manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting daily to drive performance and ensure data accuracy.
• Train employees on post-manufacturing processing procedures and practices.
• Review variable costs, productivity, earned standard hours, and throughput daily; implement corrective actions when targets are not met.
• Actively participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) projects to increase efficiency, productivity, and machine utilization while reducing costs.
• Provide manufacturing expertise to resolve problems.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping (6S) in all assigned areas.
• Support and improve quality initiatives to meet plant goals.
• Manage preventative maintenance performed by production employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet facility goals.

Requirements

• Technical degree preferred (e.g., Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering).
• At least 5+ years of experience as an operations manager or similar role in Aerospace, Industrial Manufacturing, Automotive, or a related industry.
• Experience with metal forming, machining, chemical processing, and heat-treating is a plus.
• Experience with metal forming, hardening, tempering, annealing, and other heat-treating processes is a plus.
• Analytical skills and experience with techniques to improve quality, reduce rework, and increase productivity.
• Supervisory experience leading teams of 40+ people; strong performance management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills at all organizational levels, especially with direct reports.
• Intermediate proficiency in ERP (JDE), MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and other productivity tools (e.g., PowerBI).
• Quality-focused and production-driven mindset.

Pay

The base pay range for this position in California is $145,000 - $160,000+/year. Pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

About the Company

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 customer success and a positive global impact.

About the Team

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems and are the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines, as well as in industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction/industrial equipment.