Director of Operations

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Director of Operations in our Fullerton 2 location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California.  We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re 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. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.

Summary:

This role will lead two separate, but related business teams involved in the production and sales of tooling associated with fasteners as well as serve as the Site Lead for the Fullerton ATS/Mairoll location.

Assembly Tool Systems (ATS):  Produces and sells rotary tooling used by Howmet’s customers to install fasteners in aerostructures.  The leadership challenge in this role is to increase the revenue stream by developing, adjusting, and implementing a solid business development, sales, and marketing strategy.  This includes directing sales personnel and engineers to visit customers to develop applications.  It also includes managing several customer location lease accounts.  Additionally, identifying and developing new product variants based upon customer feedback and data is a key required skill set.

Mairoll produces and sells thread dies, header tooling and other tooling used to produce fasteners.  Majority of sales are internal to Howmet with the aim of reducing total manufacturing cost for Howmet.

Site Lead: Also co-located in Fullerton 2 is a Machine Rebuilding and Automation team of highly skilled engineers and technicians that rebuilds and automates equipment for other HFS sites as well as a tool room that services the Fullerton 1 fastener manufacturing site.  These entities have functional reporting lines outside the scope of this role, however daily management of Health & Safety, 5S, Maintenance, Security for the entire site, including these teams is expected of the ATS/Mairoll Director of Operations.

Reporting to this role are the 2 Operations Managers who run ATS & Mairoll® products with support from other functions including Procurement, EHS, Human Resources, and Finance. These are currently set up as shared services with other plants, though the vision is to bring key functions directly to the ATS & Mairoll business.

The Director of Operations will plan, direct, and execute the site’s business plan, while meeting all budgetary objectives. Develop & implement a strategy to grow sales and profitability in Howmet’s tooling business.  Responsible for the execution of all sales and manufacturing operations including, Planning, Engineering, all in conformance with Howmet standards, policies, and all applicable regulatory and legal requirements. Maximizes customer satisfaction through on-time delivery of products which meet required specifications. Continually improves the effectiveness and efficiency of manufacturing processes. Seeks to improve profit performance across all product lines and manufacturing processes.

Essential Functions:

• Make decisions for operational activities and set strategic goals.
• Planning and monitoring the day-to-day running of business to ensure smooth progress and meet all financial goals, including productivity, net profit, on time delivery, etc. 
• Develops annual business plans in consultation with Business Unit leadership to ensure proper deployment of resources to achieve required levels of sales.
• Provides leadership to subordinate managers and to all assigned employees. Ensures open communications and responds to employee concerns in an appropriate manner. Seeks to improve the knowledge, skill, and ability of people.
• Ensures full compliance with EHS standards, policies, procedures, and processes for the entire site.  Confirms that incidents are thoroughly investigated and that root causes are identified and remedied on a systematic basis. Fosters a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
• Interfaces directly with key customers, in concert with Sales & Marketing Management and Account Managers to develop business and resolve problems.
• Oversees and facilitates activities with other departments such as Sales & Marketing, Purchasing, Accounting, Information Systems, and Human Resources.
• Continually improves the performance of the Manufacturing organization through the application of lean manufacturing principles. This includes the application of specific techniques such as kaizen rapid improvement events, the development of a continuous improvement mindset within the Manufacturing organization and ensures command of these tools at the leadership levels.
• Participates with Purchasing personnel to develop partnerships with vendors which produce mutually beneficial arrangements related to purchased item quality, quantity, and pricing. Ensures that concerns and issues related to purchased resources are addressed and resolved in a timely manner.
• Interacts positively and effectively with personnel, both internal and external to the organization. This may include factory floor personnel, management at various levels throughout HFS, and governmental regulators. Participates in external activities to secure a positive community image of the Company.
• Provides technical manufacturing assistance to other stakeholders of the organization, including both external and internal to HFS.
• Analyzes and directs the preparation of Capital Appropriation Requests to secure required capital equipment for projects meeting or exceeding capital return targets.
• Directs the activities of assigned human resources and makes recommendations on hiring, disciplinary actions, promotions, demotions, terminations, and salary adjustments.
• Performs all tasks involving hazardous chemicals or hazardous wastes in accordance with environmental regulations, and operation procedures outlined in the Environmental Management System.
• Maintains full compliance with Company policies and procedures and conducts all activities in accordance with the Howmet Guide to Business Conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Skills:

• Able to develop and implement a sales & marketing strategy to grow the business profitably.  This includes choosing customer sales channels, new product development decisions, and identifying applications at customer locations.
• Knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing. Proven leadership and management skills. Thorough knowledge of complex electronic business enterprise systems required.
• Ability to work effectively with employees, peers, senior-level leaders, customers, and vendor representatives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and persuasion skills. Ability to work independently, prioritizing and completing multiple work assignments in diverse fields with minimal direction.  Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of incumbents in this job classification

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations required.  MBA preferred. 
• Five years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated progressive leadership experience.
• P&L responsibility.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence large groups of employees. 
• Prioritize and complete multiple and diverse work assignments with minimal direction and supervision.
• Must have good computer skills using Microsoft applications or equivalent.
• 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. 

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $165k- $195K.

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

Howmet fastening systems are the premier aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, bearings, fluid fittings and installation tools. Our products are used nose to tail on commercial and military defense aircraft, as well as on jet engines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, wind turbines, solar power systems, and construction and industrial equipment.