Procurement Lead

Howmet Aerospace•New Brighton, MN

About The Position

The Procurement Lead oversees the daily activities of the procurement team, ensuring timely, accurate, and cost-effective quoting and purchasing of materials, supplies, and services. This role provides direct supervision, coaching, and workflow coordination for procurement staff, while maintaining hands-on responsibility for complex purchasing tasks and vendor relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Business, Supply Chain or Finance
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Supply Chain or Purchasing position
Minimum 3 years’ supervisory experience
Knowledge and understanding of procurement and financial best practices and compliance (Sarbanes Oxley, Import/Export Laws, Etc.).
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous defense and aerospace manufacturing experience
Ability to write and negotiate complex contracts for the obtaining of goods and services
Proficient PC skills in a Windows environment
Experience with IFS (ERP Systems)
Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills
Demonstrated knowledge of business law
Supervisory or leadership experience
Working knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes
Extensive raw materials background
Demonstrated project leadership skills
Experience with ISO quality systems

Responsibilities

Directs the activities of procurement staff, assign daily tasks, monitor workload and ensure timely completion of purchasing activities.
Defines purchasing strategies and tactics to ensure Plant and BU targets are met
Direct and administer the quoting and purchasing of materials, products and services at competitive pricing levels consistent with specification requirements
Oversee requisition review, PO creation, order tracking, and delivery notification; personally handle complex or high-value purchases.
Develops and manages a qualified supplier base and maintains strong supplier relationships
Negotiate pricing within approved guidelines of all materials, products and services
Communicate supplier issues to BU Procurement and/or Category Management; resolves escalated vendor issues
Actively communicates and provides timely information to keep appropriate personnel informed
Assures supplier contracts are consistent with U.S. laws and meet the needs of the organization
Develops, administers and coordinates purchasing policies and procedures
Keeps current on new technologies and markets
Assures training and development of all purchasing personnel, ensures team adherence to purchasing policies, documentation standards, and audit requirements.
Partner with operations, sales and finance to support production schedules and resolve material-related issues.
Identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows, reduce lead times, and improve supplier performance.
Other duties as assigned.