The posting
Responsibilities
Howmet Fastening Systems is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Supervisor for our Fullerton, CA site.
Summary:
Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Manufacturing Operations Supervisor is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations to safely achieve production, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives while developing a highly engaged and capable workforce.
This position provides visible leadership on the shop floor through active supervision, coaching, employee development, problem solving, and operational execution. The Production Supervisor is accountable for workforce management, operational performance, continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with all company policies, quality standards, and safety requirements while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, respect, and operational excellence through the Howmet Business System.
Job Responsibilities:
- Provide visible leadership through a consistent presence on the shop floor (Gemba), reinforcing safety, quality, productivity, standard work, and employee engagement.
- Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop employees to achieve individual and team performance objectives.
- Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Promote positive employee relations through timely coaching, performance feedback, recognition, and corrective actions when appropriate.
- Manage attendance, timekeeping, overtime, vacations, staffing levels, and daily workforce allocation.
- Ensure employees comply with company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
- Develop future leaders by coaching Lead Persons and high-potential employees while supporting succession planning.
- Lead daily manufacturing activities to achieve Safety, Quality, Cost, and Productivity objectives.
- Execute production schedules while ensuring customer quality and on-time delivery requirements are achieved.
- Monitor production flow and proactively remove operational barriers impacting performance.
- Identify, escalate, and support resolution of production bottlenecks using lean manufacturing and Theory of Constraints principles.
- Conduct regular Gemba walks to monitor performance, reinforce expectations, and ensure operational discipline.
- Development workforce capability through training, cross-training, skills assessments, qualification management, and succession planning to ensure operational flexibility and business continuity.
- Ensure employees maintain required operational training, certifications, and qualifications while partnering with HR, EHS, and Quality to address compliance gaps.
- Identify skill gaps and implement development plan that improve workforce capability, flexibility, and operational performance.
- Promote cross-training strategies to reduce operational bottlenecks, improve staffing flexibility, and support business continuity.
- Prepare daily production reports and participate in Daily Management meetings.
- Establish daily production and quality objectives with the Operations Manager and monitor execution throughout the shift.
- Monitor staffing levels, absenteeism, overtime utilization, and workforce productivity to optimize labor resources while supporting operational requirements.
- Complete daily timekeeping and payroll-related activities accurately and timely.
- Coordinate shift schedules and approve overtime, vacations, and other administrative requests in accordance with Howmet guidelines.
- Ensure employees take required meal and rest breaks in compliance with company policy and applicable labor regulations.
- Support short- and long-term capacity and resource planning.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Howmet Business Systems, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
- Promote employee involvement in problem solving and continuous improvement activities.
- Support waste elimination, process optimization, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Maintain housekeeping standards and sustain 5S throughout assigned areas.
- Promote and maintain a safe workplace by ensuring compliance with all EHS policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Immediately address unsafe conditions and behaviors while reinforcing a proactive safety culture.
- Ensure employees utilize required PPE and follow established work instructions and safe operating procedures.
- Perform all duties in a manner that protects employees, customers, company assets, and the environment.
- Directly supervise hourly employees within the assigned manufacturing area.
- Responsible for employee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, coaching, corrective action, scheduling, workforce development, and succession planning in accordance with Howmet policies.
Essential Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of management and employees.
- Highly organized and detail oriented; with excellent time management skills.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Education and/or Experience - bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or Industrial Technology or 5+ years related experience leading an manufacturing department.
- Experience supervising hourly manufacturing employees
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with aerospace, fastening, or precision manufacturing processes preferred.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently required to stand and sit.
- Occasionally required to walk and talk or hear.
- Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Hearing protection is required while on the shop floor.
Benefits/Salary:
The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $130,000.
About Us
Compensation and Benefits:
If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.
Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
- Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
- Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
- Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
- Life insurance and disability coverage plans
- Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
- Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Our Story:
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email: [email protected]
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.
