Manufacturing Leader

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Whitehall, Michigan, seeks a Manufacturing Leader to plan, develop, and implement new methods to improve operations, reduce costs, and optimize labor and materials use at the Core Plant Whitehall Casting Operation.

The role focuses on deploying ABS and EHS improvements across shifts, enhancing employee engagement, safety compliance, and performance through coaching and strategic oversight.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of people leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Willing to relocate to other company locations to support career development.
• United States work authorization; visa sponsorship not available for this position.
• Export-controlled data requirement and ability to access export-controlled items.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead a team across shifts, including meetings, performance reviews, staffing, and attendance.
• Provide constructive feedback and maintain documentation for disciplinary actions.
• Direct training and orientation to ensure EHS rules are understood and followed.
• Ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement and interface with union officials.
• Analyze production data, resolve operational issues, and minimize costs and delays.
• Plan, develop, and implement new methods to improve operations and material utilization.

Skills

Leadership

Staffing

Safety and EHS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business

High school diploma or GED

Job description

• Locations One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data 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

Responsibilities

Howmet Engine Products, a division Howmet Aerospace, seeks a motivated and experienced leader to join our team! The Manufacturing Leader will located in Whitehall, Michigan, at our Core Plant Whitehall Casting Operation. They will plan, develop, and implement new methods and procedures designed to improve operations, minimize operating costs, and effect greater utilization of labor and materials. Participate in plant safety inspections and housekeeping audits. This position will be responsible for deployment of ABS and EHS improvements across the shifts, focusing on employee engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervises an effective team; includes planning and holding meetings to flow down information, 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.
• Provides effective feedback to employees, both positive and negative. Maintains appropriate documentation for all disciplinary actions taken.
• Directs training and orientation of employees to ensure EHS rules are known and understood, to improve work performance and culture, and acquaint employees with company policies, practices,procedures and business initiatives.
• Maintains compliance with the collective bargaining agreement. Interfaces between management and union officials. Handles grievances.
• Reviews production and operating reports and resolves operations, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays.
• Investigates and analyzes. Initiates or recommends actions to correct deviations and variables affecting schedules, costs, quality, and other factors.
• Requisitions tools, equipment, and supplies required for operations and ensures employees have understanding of tools available (including the help chain).
• Confers with management, engineering, and quality control personnel to resolve maintenance problems and recommend measures to improve operations and conditions of machines and equipment.
• Reviews work procedures for safety regulations and concerns.
• Plans, develops, and implements new methods and procedures designed to improve operations, minimize operating costs, and effect greater utilization of labor and materials.
• Participates in plant safety inspections and housekeeping audits.
• Complies with all EHS rules required for the work environment.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

Job Roles

• Systems thinking--thinks about the entire plant as a system; understands the importance of manufacturing in the context of the entire operation; works to eliminate silos between shifts and departments
• Measurement oriented--proactive to drive critical measures such as safety, quality, LU; prioritizes action based on net result
• Relationship builder--interacts up, down and across the organizational position structure; minimizes escalations through relationship and handles them where they exist; mentors and develops others
• Facilitator--knows the “how” and “what” of multiple areas of the enterprise; eliminates roadblocks for others; responds quickly to issues and ensures quality; translates policies and planning to supervisory group; able to act on limited information when necessary
• Advocate--ensures customer specifications are met; represents manufacturing interests with planning group; ensures supervisors have resources and resolution to issues; drives continuous improvement
• Tactician strategist--understands both the next best move and what needs to happen today; balances the immediate with the strategic; responds and plans; reacts and anticipates
• Organization and structure--plans daily; coordinates through others to deliver; ensures efficiencies while balancing priorities of multiple projects and stakeholder groups
• Autonomy--functions well with limited direction; comfortable making decisions and giving direction; accepts feedback and constructive criticism regarding actions taken

This posting is intended to establish a pipeline of qualified talent for anticipated future business needs. Applicants may be considered for current or future opportunities as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
• Five (5) years of people leadership experience; 2 of which are within a manufacturing environment
• Must be willing to relocate to other company locations to support future career development opportunities and business requirements.
• 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

• BS Degree in Engineering or Business
• Experience in the investment casting industry a plus
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers, managers, and employees

About Us

Compensation and Benefits:

If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.

Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
• Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans
• Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Our Story:

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.

The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.