Sr. Director Operations

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Sr. Director Operations based at our Torrance, California Headquarters with regular travel to sites. 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. 

General Summary: 

The Sr. Director of Operations is an individual contributor role reporting directly to the Vice President/General Manager of HFS North America Aerospace (NA Aero). This position is responsible for planning, directing, and executing targeted operational initiatives across multiple sites and product lines. The role focuses on driving throughput improvements, supporting SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning) processes, and leading special projects that enhance efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Acting as a change agent, the Sr. Director partners with cross-functional teams to implement strategic business plans, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, cost control, and time-to-market. 

This position requires a hands-on leader who can quickly assess processes, identify opportunities, and execute solutions that align with Howmet standards, policies, and strategic objectives. The role is accountable for enabling operational performance across a network of sites within the business unit, ensuring alignment with EHS and quality standards, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement by supporting and empowering site leaders to achieve results. 

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute special projects and operational improvement initiatives in alignment with the NA Aero strategic plan, operational and financial targets. 

• Partner with site leadership to assess performance gaps, implement corrective actions, and drive measurable improvements in throughput, cost, and delivery. 

• Support the Vice President/General Manager in leading the operations results and process across multiple product lines, ensuring alignment of resources, schedules, and financial targets. 

• Provide interim leadership or targeted support to sites experiencing leadership vacancies, resource constraints, or requiring additional assistance to ensure continuity of operations and achievement of business objectives. 

• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Strategic Marketing to optimize product roadmaps, new product introductions, and innovation pipelines. 

• Drive SIOP planning processes to balance demand, capacity,