Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement, Capital Projects and Infrastructure

Howmet Aerospace•Torrance, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement, Capital Projects and Infrastructure to lead and deliver Cost Savings and CAPEX initiatives across our HFS North America Aerospace (NA Aero) manufacturing sites. This role is pivotal in driving operational efficiency, innovation, and growth through the successful execution of capital investments—on time, within budget, and aligned with ROI/payback expectations. You will manage a dynamic portfolio of infrastructure, equipment, and technology projects, ensuring alignment with long-term asset value and strategic goals. This role will serve as the primary leader for the NA Aero Continuous Improvement Program (CIP), driving $20m+ in year-over-year productivity, waste reduction, and operational excellence. The leader will oversee CI governance, track savings delivery against annual targets and ensure strong engagement and accountability from plant leadership teams. The leader will also play a key role in shaping future investments by partnering with operational and cross-functional leaders to identify and scope opportunities that enhance our capabilities in aerospace, fasteners, and precision manufacturing. The scope of this role also includes responsibility for our real estate and footprint strategy, such as engaging with brokers to manage leases and renewals, and supporting sites with utilization and expansion needs. Furthermore, you will oversee the forecasting and tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and actuals, ensuring capital investments are aligned with environmental impact goals and sustainability commitments. All projects must meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, and contribute meaningfully to our competitive positioning.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing.
Must have proven leadership and management skills.
Thorough knowledge of complex electronic business enterprise systems required.
Demonstrated experience leading multi-site Continuous Improvement programs, including savings tracking, CI Governance, and deployment of Lean tools
Proven success delivering single-site and multi-site capital projects with budgets ranging from $500k to $50M.
Familiarity with sustainability metrics and GHG emissions tracking; ability to align capital investments with environmental performance goals.
Ability to work effectively with employees, peers, senior-level leaders, customers and vendor representatives.
Excellent communication, presentation, and persuasion skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritizing and completing multiple work assignments in diverse fields with minimal direction.
A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations required.
5+ years of experience managing CAPEX projects in manufacturing environments.
Experience supporting real estate and facilities strategy, including lease management, site utilization, and broker engagement.
Must have excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to prioritize and complete multiple and diverse work assignments with minimal direction and supervision.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Familiarity with AS9100, FAA regulations, and defense compliance.
Strong knowledge of aerospace, fasteners, or precision manufacturing industries.

Responsibilities

Lead full lifecycle delivery of capital projects across North America, from concept and feasibility through design, procurement, installation, and commissioning, while ensuring disciplined execution of scope, schedule, budget, and vendor performance.
Provide strong financial and governance oversight for CAPEX initiatives, including cost tracking, forecasting, variance analysis, and alignment with annual plans and approval requirements.
Drive continuous improvement in capital investment, identifying new opportunities with site leaders, optimizing spend, reducing waste, improving ROI, and strengthening long‑term asset value and operational efficiency.
Partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, finance, procurement, and EHS to align project objectives with broader enterprise strategy.
Develop and maintain comprehensive project documentation including budgets, schedules, risk assessments, and ROI/payback analyses.
Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
Lead the NA Aero Continuous Improvement Program (CIP), including annual goal‑setting, project pipeline development, and delivery of major productivity and cost‑reduction targets across all sites.
Drive CI engagement and accountability with plant leadership, provide Lean and problem‑solving coaching, and ensure each site maintains a prioritized portfolio of improvement initiatives.
Consolidate and validate CI results, report savings and operational impact to senior leadership, and integrate CI priorities with CAPEX strategies to strengthen long‑term performance.
Oversee contractor selection and bid processes while managing vendors throughout construction and installation to ensure quality, cost‑effectiveness, and adherence to project specifications, timelines, and governance requirements
Oversee real estate and footprint strategy of manufacturing sites, including lease management, broker engagement, and support for site utilization and expansion planning.
Lead forecasting and tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and actuals, ensuring capital investments align with sustainability goals and environmental impact objectives.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory standards throughout each phase of the project lifecycle.
Champion continuous improvement in project execution methodologies, governance practices, and investment strategies.