On-site Plant Manager - Lean Manufacturing & CNC

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Skokie, IL, seeks an experienced manufacturing leader to drive plant strategy and operational excellence.

You will lead plant teams, implement CAM standards, and align manufacturing with lean principles to improve delivery, cost, and quality. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of plant management experience, with proven lean manufacturing expertise and the ability to work in a fast-paced CNC machining or metal forming environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).
• 5-7 years of plant management experience preferred.
• Proven lean manufacturing experience.
• Experience in fast-paced CNC machining or metal forming operations.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develops and drives the plant manufacturing strategy to increase profits, satisfaction and efficiency.
• Sets targets and ensures achievement of operating cash flow, on-time delivery and cost reduction.
• Leads manufacturing function and plant teams, advancing CAM standards and manufacturing tech.
• Drives quality improvement and day-to-day process control to meet standards.
• Delivers customer satisfaction by meeting OTDS, lead times and quality goals.
• Ensures safety, environment, governance and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Financial acumen

Communication

Travel and relocation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

• Locations 8109 Lawndale Ave., Skokie, IL, 60076, 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

• Develops and drives the plant manufacturing strategy. Develops proactive strategies to increase business profits, customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

• Performance targets. Ensures achievement of established targets, through oversight and definition of improvement actions as needed. Focuses on achievement of operating cash flow, project on-time and on cost, on-time delivery, and cost reduction.

• Leads and manages manufacturing function and plant teams and processes. Implements and improves manufacturing technology and competence in line with the CAM strategy.

• Quality & Operational Excellence. Executes CAM quality strategy. Drives quality improvement through target setting, monitoring and benchmarking to continuously improve processes. Executes quality management for monitoring and validating day to day control of processes. Ensures manufacturing operations are in compliance with applicable standards. Drives continued improvements in productivity, delivery performance and cost optimization.

• Customer satisfaction. Delivers operational/project targets (e.g. OTD, lead time, quality, etc.) to meet and exceed customer requirements. Ensures that manufacturing resources implement improvements that address any identified issues.

• Safety and integrity. Implements Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), sustainability and business compliance standards and regulations within the plant. Ensures a safe working environment, and continuous improvement.

• Standards and governance. Implements and ensures compliance with CAM standards, rules, tools, policies, and processes related to operations/project execution and shares functional best practices and lessons learned across the organization.

• People leadership and development. Ensures that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed and directed. Builds an effective, capable and high performing organization. Develops talent, appoints managers, and reviews effectiveness. Creates a positive working environment.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (typically in Business, Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)

Experience:

• 5-7 years previous manufacturing plant management experience preferred

• Proven lean manufacturing experience

• Previous experience in a fast-paced CNC machining or metal forming manufacturing operation

Skills & Certifications:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both in groups as well as independently

• Ability to manage complex projects, prioritize multiple tasks with close attention to detail and accuracy and meet deadlines

• Solid financial acumen

• Exceptional ability to communicate, both orally and in writing

•Ability to travel and open to relocation

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.