Sr. Category Manager (Indirect)

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead strategy for external spend categories (Components, Outside Processing, MRO, and Raw Materials) in collaboration with Procurement and Location Leadership, with on-site duties in Torrance, CA.

You will drive supplier performance, qualify critical second sources, and aim for the best total cost position while mitigating risks for manufacturing and delivery. Strong English plus optional French/German/Spanish is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university.
• Minimum 10 years of procurement experience, aerospace preferred.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.
• Export-control data requirements apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop strategy for external spend categories (Components, Outside Processing, MRO, Raw Materials).
• Manage supplier performance to reduce supply risk and improve location delivery.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, and customers on qualification programs for critical 2nd sources.
• Ensure best total cost and supplier performance; guide procurement and operations alignment.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Supplier management

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

English and foreign language skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree (4-year)

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Procurement systems

Job description

• Locations 3016 W Lomita Blvd, Torrance, CA, 90505, 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

• Senior Category Manager leads and develops strategy for external Spend Categories (Components, Outside Processing, MRO, and/or Raw Materials) in conjunction with Procurement and Location Leadership.
• Manage the performance and development of suppliers to reduce risk of supply shortages to maintain and improve Location manufacturing and delivery performance.
• Works with Location Operation Leadership, Quality Management, and Customers on the development and implementation of qualification programs for critical 2 nd sources.
• Ensure the best total cost position for all external spend within the Category, the lowest sourcing risks, and the best supplier performance.
• Provide both support and guidance to Procurement, Operations, and Sales at the Locations to improve the overall alignment between Demand and Supply, with primary focus on Raw Material.
• Support actions / programs from customers to achieve efficient supply planning, qualification of new suppliers, and participation in enablement programs.

Drive to function at world-class level by establishing best-in-class procurement processes and policies and utilization of state-of-the‑art procurement systems and tools.

• Responsible for HFS Spend within the respective Category, including price negotiations, terms & conditions, lead times, and contract development.
• Develop good understanding of supplier manufacturing capabilities, volume capacity, and technical capabilities.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and Location planners and buyers (RM, Components, OSP).
• Develop a robust structured supplier onsite contact plan to ensure HFS priority and to assess performance (production, delivery, quality).
• Develop standardized KPI performance reporting (OTD, Lead Times, Capacity) and organize and facilitate routine periodic Location feedback to suppliers regarding status of their performance and negotiate and monitor recovery plans as necessary.
• Work with the Locations to implement 2 nd sourcing for critical Products, with a primary focus on Raw Material.
• Lead, co-lead, or support activities as required to meet objectives, such as Kaizen workshops, Consignment Programs, Stocking Programs.
• Responsible for reporting cost savings, cost increases and spend leakage reporting, as well as other reporting requirements in support of procurement program management.

Qualifications

Basic:

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year University
• Minimum 10 years of Procurement experience, preferably in aerospace, across a broad spectrum of Categories, including raw materials, purchased components, outside processing and MRO.
• Employee 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:

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Management, Supply Chain, and/or Logistics from an accredited Institution.
• Experience working in an aerospace and/or manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of experience in Procurement Management.
• 5+ years of experience International Supply Chain Management
• Ability to communicate effectively in English plus French, German, and/or Spanish
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Understanding of terms and conditions documents, commercial agreements and contract language
• Understands the stringent technical aspects of Aerospace requirements
• Innovative / Strategic thinker with strategy development experience
• Proven experience with customer relationship building & business development activity is desired
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships across disciplines and with multiple levels of management.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work on site full time at either Torrance, Brea, Carson, and/or Fullerton.
  • This position is going to be full on site at the preferred location.
• Must be able to work at time zones outside of standard business hours due to domestic and/or international customers and suppliers.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation.Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $145K-185K.

About Us

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.