Senior Project Director, Aerospace Manufacturing & Automation

Howmet Aerospace; Exeter; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace is seeking an experienced Project Lead for the Exeter site to manage the expansion for the IGT segment. The role involves leading the project team, coordinating with stakeholders, and delivering detailed plans aligned with the organisation's goals.

You will drive automation initiatives, oversee cross-functional execution with engineering, manufacturing, scheduling and quality teams, and ensure delivery on time and within budget while achieving required quality levels.

Qualifications

• Strong familiarity with manufacturing and operational environments.
• Experience in aerospace and metal industries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially spreadsheets and data-driven tools.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong functional knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives in a demanding environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain positive relationships across diverse groups.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive performance.
• Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen experience.
• Proven track record of driving automation, process improvements, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Exeter expansion project team and align with stakeholders.
• Develop operational plans and KPIs aligned with customer expectations and business goals.
• Drive automation initiatives and productivity standards across functions.
• Oversee daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting of performance metrics.
• Manage budgets, overtime, and contingent labor; monitor variances and corrective actions.
• Lead large-scale capital projects through project lifecycle from concept to training and handover.
• Ensure safety, quality, productivity, and team development standards.

Skills

Manufacturing familiarity

Aerospace experience

MS Office, Excel

Analytical skills

Education

Engineering degree

15+ years manufacturing experience

Tools

Job description

Howmet Aerospace is seeking an experienced Project Lead for the Exeter site to manage the expansion for the IGT segment. The role involves leading the project team, coordinating with stakeholders, and delivering detailed plans aligned with the organisation's goals.

You will drive automation initiatives, oversee cross-functional execution with engineering, manufacturing, scheduling and quality teams, and ensure delivery on time and within budget while achieving required quality levels.