Primary Area Lead

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. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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

Primary Purpose of Job

Howmet Aerospace, a forging facility located at 1600 Harvard Ave., is seeking a Primary-Area Lead to join its Operations Department. Under the direction of either the Operations Manager, this position is responsible for ensuring the consistent implementation and execution of policies and systems in the focused area of responsibility to guarantee that internal and external customer expectations are met safely and at the lowest cost. Direct reports include up to (10) Operations Supervisors. The incumbent communicates continually with the Procurement, Planning, Die Design, Quality, EHS Departments, Maintenance, and Shipping Departments, as well as with all other levels of management in the Operations Department. Externally, they communicate with vendors, suppliers, contractors, and customers.  

Accountability Objectives

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage entire material path for the department which, unlike other areas in the Cleveland facility, involves accountability for employees and other resources in both of the main areas of the plant. 

   

• Lead continuous improvement activities (ex. Kaizen events; problem-solving sessions; 5S activities) in the area to systemically improve safety, quality, productivity, lead time and delivery.

   

• Assuming the role of providing “in the moment” direction and support to resolve conflicts and challenges regarding Safety, People, Quality, Delivery, and Howmet Business Systems implementation in the incumbent’s focused area of responsibility.

   

• Staying closely connected with senior leadership, providing updates as needed and proposing solutions to problems that exist.
• Staying closely connected with internal and external suppliers and customers for focused areas, while adhering to the needs for the incumbent’s area of responsibility, making sure the right decisions are made for the overall business.

• Engaging and utilizing the resources at the incumbent’s disposal to meet Safety, Quality, OEE and Absorption objectives as set by the Operations Manager to support the production of Aerospace and Industrial Products, without sacrificing a spirit of cooperation with other areas, so as not to detrimentally impact the vitality of Cleveland Operations. 

   

• Driving direct reports to achieve a realization of their area’s scrap and throughput forecast to ensure the attainment of absorption cost numbers, as set by the Director of Operations and Operations Manager.  

   

• Coaching, leading, guiding, and training other Operations Department staff to ensure production efficiency and safety. 

   

• Providing coverage for other Area Leads, as necessary. 
• Performing other duties as assigned. 

Basic Qualifications

For this position to be successful, the incumbent should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited institution, in a related field.

   

• Background in lean manufacturing.

   

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a heavy manufacturing environment. 
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee. 

Preferred Qualifications

For this position to be successful, preference is given to candidates with: 

• Experience in a continuous improvement environment with a demonstrated ability to use the available tools to drive change on the shop floor or other setting.

   

• The ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) and delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.

   

• A high degree of interpersonal skills to motivate and influence others, including those not under their direct supervision.
• Demonstrated problem solving, systems thinking, project management, and team building ability. 

• Experience using Oracle ERP systems

   

• 3 or more years of experience managing people and processes with progressive accountability.  

   

• 1 or more years of experience working in a unionized environment.

Working Conditions

This position involves minimal exposure to risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions. Work is normally performed in a shared work environment, divided between the shop floor and an atypical interior office space. While not exposed to hazardous materials, this position requires wearing full PPE to protect from mobile equipment and hot materials when on the shop floor. 

This position requires light to moderate physical activity, such as walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. 

This position also requires a willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule and be available and on-call 24/7. 

The incumbent must exhibit a high degree of tolerance and professionalism to effectively communicate, direct, and guide a multi-talented and multi-dimensional team.