Manufacturing Manager
Howmet AerospaceThe 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. Howmet Aerospace Engines division seeks an experienced and dynamic leader to join our team in Dover, New Jersey! Howmet Dover Casting is a world-class supplier of complex, investment-cast turbine airfoils and other components for the aircraft engine and industrial gas turbine industries. The Manufacturing Manager is critical to driving manufacturing excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering operational results. This role is responsible for ensuring the achievement of key performance indicators such as quality, productivity, cycle time, delivery, and cash flow, while also maintaining customer satisfaction. In addition, this position is accountable for leading and coaching hourly employees and manufacturing support staff, focusing on fostering a culture of operational excellence and lean practices to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Job Roles : Leadership in Operational Excellence Lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives in the plant through lean manufacturing principles such as Kaizen, 5S, and value stream mapping to eliminate waste and optimize processes. Use lean tools to reduce work-in-progress (WIP), cycle time, and operational bottlenecks, contributing to the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Implement and champion initiatives to improve product flow and eliminate constraints, ensuring effective resource utilization and smoother operations. Lead the development and implementation of standard operating procedures aimed at achieving operational excellence and process optimization. Ensure the team’s focus on cost reduction and quality improvement, while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. Accountability Across the Organization Foster a culture of accountability at all levels of the organization, ensuring that every employee takes responsibility for their actions, outputs, and contributions to the team’s success. Establish clear performance expectations and hold team members, including direct reports, accountable for meeting organizational goals and objectives. Implement transparent and objective tracking systems to monitor progress on key metrics and goals, ensuring that individuals and teams are aligned with plant and company objectives. Ensure a proactive approach to identifying and addressing performance gaps, and lead efforts to implement corrective actions in a timely manner. Champion an environment where employees take ownership of their work, making data-driven decisions to optimize productivity and process outcomes. Team Leadership and Talent Empowerment Identify and remove obstacles to productivity at both individual and systemic levels, ensuring all employees are equipped with the necessary tools and training to perform. Develop and mentor talent through cross-training initiatives, ensuring a flexible and high-performing team aligned with business goals. Foster a collaborative culture with an emphasis on open communication and a continuous learning mindset. Conduct regular performance reviews and feedback sessions to assess individual and team progress, and identify areas for improvement and development. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Maintain a strong line of communication across all levels of the organization, ensuring transparency and alignment between management, production teams, and support staff. Develop and execute clear and concise action plans based on data analysis, customer feedback, and operational insights. Act as a liaison between different departments (e.g., engineering, procurement, maintenance…