Operations Manager

Let Your Career Take Flight at Howmet Aerospace!

We recognize and reward our employees’ contributions with a competitive total rewards package. 

Position Overview

The Operations Manager is accountable for leading and optimizing all core operational functions, including Production, Operations Planning, and Maintenance in both our New Brighton and Big Lake, MN locations. This role ensures operational excellence through effective planning, resource management, and cross‑functional coordination. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands‑on leadership style, capable of driving performance, improving processes, and ensuring the organization meets its cost, quality, safety, and delivery objectives.

Pay $140k - $185k

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to meet output, quality, and delivery targets.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Monitor KPIs such as throughput, scrap, labor efficiency, and on‑time delivery.
• Resolve production issues and bottlenecks quickly and effectively.
• Support training, skills development, and workforce planning.
• Own production planning and scheduling to align machine capacity, labor, and materials.
• Coordinate priorities with engineering, programming, purchasing, and sales. 
• Lead monthly operations planning meetings and drive data‑driven decision‑making.

• Maintain planning parameters in ERP/MRP systems.

• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime.
• Ensure maintenance activities support production schedules and long‑term asset reliability.
• Champion continuous improvement in equipment performance and safety.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance management for operational teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, HR, and Finance to support business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations or manufacturing management roles.
• 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 is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S person as an U.S Citizen, U.S Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Hands-on, solutions-driven mindset.
• Strong understanding of production planning, S&OP processes, and maintenance systems
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment
• Experience leading teams in a shop-floor environment
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Demonstrated success implementing lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.