Operations Manager

We’re a company of innovators and makers. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the aerospace and transportation industries. Join our team and help us engineer the next generation of sustainable travel.



Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Our state-of-the-art investment casting facility in La Porte, Indiana is seeking an Operations Manager to join our team. Nestled halfway between South Bend and Chicago, along the shores of Lake Michigan - our facility in La Porte, Indiana supplies jet engine components to some of the most trusted names in the Aerospace industry.

This position has the leadership and alignment of manufacturing resources and capacities with the schedule to develop a reliable shipment forecast that is consistent with customer requirements. In execution the direction of manufacturing resources toward completion of the shop floor plan at specified quality and productivity rates, while implementing ABS.

Job Summary

• Supervises an effective team (shop floor and front line supervisory); including planning and holding communications flow down meetings, preparing and conducting performance appraisals as appropriate, managing staffing levels (including vacations, overtime and leaves of absences), assisting with career development (motivates, coaches and trains to acquire maximum quality, productivity, morale and cooperation), approving time and attendance, and prioritizing and making work assignments.
• Development of capacity planning and management of resources to manufacturing schedules.
• Integration of production planning into forecast development and operating budget.
• Overall implementation of ABS principles including housekeeping, cleanliness and safety compliance for the manufacturing area.
• Communication of technical assistance situations that place customer-delivery-quality in jeopardy.
• Achieve ASAT & EHS metrics as outlined annually. 
• Leads activities to assess manpower requirements and design of employee skills development.
• Follow policies and procedures as outlined in Employee Handbook.
• Perform all other job duties as assigned.

Job responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage all aspects of the production operation.
• Provide overall leadership and direction to direct reports responsible for production.
• Implement strategies to increase efficiency, maintain quality, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Manage monthly budgets including spend, labor spend, scrap, and other P&L categories that are impacted by operations.
• Lead and grow the production team using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Optimize, implement, and successfully manage production efficiency and quality standards.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the manufacturing process to assure that safety and best practices are maximized.
• Analyze and implement process flow improvements.
• Determines optimum staffing.
• Forecasts facility capabilities.
• Monitors the workflow to ensure that schedules are met, and bottlenecks are identified and corrected.
• Hold project status meetings to identify problems and ensure that schedules are met.
• Works with quality assurance to identify any product or system deficiencies.
• Assures ABS, continuous improvement, and safety initiatives are implemented and effective.
• Directs preparation of operational budgets and long-range plans; and coordinates capital plans, and appropriation requests, and project follow up. Participates in budget and long-range plan preparation.
• Works actively to plan and implement common goals that support plant and corporate objects.
• Other assignments as required to meet business needs.
• Actively participate, promote and comply with all EHS programs and policies.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or Management from an accredited institution.
• 7 years’ experience in a supervisory position.
• 10 years’ experience in manufacturing.
• ​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:

• 5 years’ experience in manufacturing and/or operations management.
• 7 years’ experience in aerospace industry.
• Six Sigma certification preferred.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of business and profit measures (accounting P & L statements, ASAT, SOX, Export Control).
• Quality measures and associated impact to product line performance.
• Strong leadership skills that create an engaged employee environment.
• Must have the ability to structure effective systems and to mold decentralized, complex manufacturing operation into an effective team.
• Able to drive improvement through the implementation of the lean manufacturing principles, total quality practices, six sigma.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, communication, interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer and presentation skills.

Relocation assistance available.

Howmet offers a generous 401k retirement plan, medical insurance, and free access to additional resource such as our Employee Assistance Program’s: counseling, legal consulting, childcare, convenience services, and more.

Our Diversity Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) dedicated to fostering inclusive work environments that leverage the diversity of backgrounds, experience and thought within our organization.

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