Outplant Supervisor - Plant 3

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

9d

About The Position

The Outplant Supervisor leads the Outplant Department employees who manage and transact outsourced manufacturing processes. The role oversees day-to-day work with external machining, heat-treat, coating, inspection, repair, and other specialty suppliers, while coordinating internal logistics to meet customer quality, cost, and delivery requirements. The supervisor leads company and contract personnel, drives supplier performance, ensures adherence to aerospace quality standards, and serves as the primary operational interface between the plant and external manufacturing partners.

Working cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Customer Service, the supervisor resolves production issues, improves throughput, reduces lead times, and maintains schedule adherence. The role champions continuous improvement, develops standardized processes, monitors key performance indicators, and ensures work complies with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and company safety standards. Travel to suppliers is required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least 1 year of leadership experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in supply chain.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and handle multiple tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supervising in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with TPM, Synchronous Manufacturing, and Kaizen concepts.
• Good team-building and people skills; technically oriented.
• Energetic, self-starting approach and ability to promote and implement change.
• Good PC and telephone skills, strong organizational skills, and ability to promote a continuous improvement atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise an effective team, including holding meetings, conducting performance appraisals as appropriate, managing staffing levels and time off, supporting career development, approving time and attendance, and assigning and prioritizing work.
• Provide positive and corrective feedback and maintain appropriate documentation for disciplinary actions.
• Direct employee training and orientation on EHS rules, work performance, and company policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and practices.
• Schedule production and work teams.
• Review production and operating reports and resolve operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to minimize costs and prevent delays.
• Inspect machines and equipment to ensure operational performance and optimum utilization.
• Promote EHS and continuous improvement initiatives and culture.
• Coordinate outsourced machining, inspection, repair, and secondary processing operations.
• Ensure supplier performance aligns with production schedules and customer commitments, and drive a zero-defect culture across supplier operations.
• Identify and eliminate throughput bottlenecks and support recovery plans for late orders and capacity constraints.
• Develop working relationships with supplier leadership teams and conduct routine operational reviews.
• Drive supplier accountability for delivery, quality, responsiveness, and continuous improvement; support supplier development to improve capability and capacity.
• Serve as the primary operational contact between the plant and supplier partners.
• Coordinate transportation logistics for products moving between internal and external suppliers.
• Travel to suppliers as needed.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager