Sr. Director Operations

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Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Sr. Director Operations based at our Torrance, California Headquarters with regular travel to sites. 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.

General Summary

The Sr. Director of Operations role is reporting directly to the Vice President/General Manager of HFS North America Aerospace (NA Aero). This position is responsible for planning, directing, and executing targeted operational initiatives across multiple sites and product lines. The role focuses on driving throughput improvements, supporting SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning) processes, and leading special projects that enhance efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Acting as a change agent, the Sr. Director partners with cross-functional teams to implement strategic business plans, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, cost control, and time-to-market.

This position requires a hands-on leader who can quickly assess processes, identify opportunities, and execute solutions that align with Howmet standards, policies, and strategic objectives. The role is accountable for enabling operational performance across a network of sites within the business unit, ensuring alignment with EHS and quality standards, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement by supporting and empowering site leaders to achieve results.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and execute special projects and operational improvement initiatives in alignment with the NA Aero strategic plan, operational and financial targets.
• Partner with site leadership to assess performance gaps, implement corrective actions, and drive measurable improvements in throughput, cost, and delivery.
• Support the Vice President/General Manager in leading the operations results and process across multiple product lines, ensuring alignment of resources, schedules, and financial targets.
• Provide interim leadership or targeted support to sites experiencing leadership vacancies, resource constraints, or requiring additional assistance to ensure continuity of operations and achievement of business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Strategic Marketing to optimize product roadmaps, new product introductions, and innovation pipelines.
• Drive SIOP planning processes to balance demand, capacity, and resource allocation across sites.
• Ensure compliance with all EHS standards, policies, and procedures; investigate incidents and implement systemic corrective actions to foster a safe and healthy work environment.
• Provide technical and operational expertise to support new product strategies, risk-sharing partnerships, and investment initiatives that strengthen competitiveness and profitability.
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and build a culture of operational excellence.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and customer feedback to inform operational priorities and strategic decision-making.
• Represent Howmet positively with employees, customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders to strengthen the company’s reputation and community presence.
• Perform other duties and special assignments as required to support enterprise objectives.
  
  

Skills

• Extensive knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing. Must have 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.
• 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.
• Ten (10) years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with five (5) or more years of that time spent in senior-level supervisory leadership roles.
• P&L responsibility.
• Must have excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to 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.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. Persons status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee
  
  

Benefits/Salary

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401(k) matching program, paid holidays and vacation. The salary range for this position is $240,000-$280,000 annually. Travel will be required to multiple plant sites to drive projects and cover vacancies.

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 $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, 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 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/howmet-aerospace) , Twitter (https://twitter.com/howmetaerospace) , Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/howmetaerospace/) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Howmetaerospace/) , and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/howmetaerospace) .

Equal Opportunity Employer

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We 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

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