At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage expansion projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Howmet Aerospace, a leader in aerospace and metal industries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on large-scale capital projects with significant impact.
- Why this job: Drive innovation and transformation in manufacturing while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in manufacturing, project management experience, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Responsibilities
This position will play an important role in the Howmet Engines organization working within the IGT Segment managing the segment growth project.
The Project Lead is responsible for managing the expansion project for the IGT Segment based in the Exeter location.
This role is critical to the Segment expansion plan, responsibilities include lead and manage the project team, communicate with stakeholders and ensure alignment with the organisational goals and develop detailed project plans.
The successful candidate will directly support the VP & GM for IGT by managing the expansion of the Exeter development process and execution of business unit initiatives.
- Develop operational plans that support the requirements of assigned manufacturing areas, ensuring alignment with customer expectations, business goals, and annual KPIs.
- Lead the development and implementation of automation initiatives, departmental consolidation efforts, and productivity and efficiency standards across functional areas.
- Oversee daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting to ensure accurate visibility into operational performance.
- Drive automation expansion and lead transformational improvements in labor utilization, quality, and throughput
- Champion continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing, ensuring enhancements are incorporated into standard operating procedures.
- Manage manufacturing projects across the full project lifecycle—including concept, requirements, design, testing, installation, qualification, and training—ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and at the required quality level.
- Meet financial objectives by managing budgets, optimizing overtime and contingent labor, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Provide direct supervision to project team, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, productivity, and associate development standards.
- Coach and mentor team members to build a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain strong working relationships with diverse employee groups and external customers, fostering collaboration and trust.
- Program & Cross‑Functional Management
- Ensure program goals, scope, and deliverables are clearly defined and communicated to internal teams and external customers.
- Support detailed execution plans by coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, commercial, scheduling, and quality teams to meet program timelines.
- Maintain detailed action lists, track progress, and provide updates to stakeholders while ensuring alignment with financial targets.
- Identify program gaps or risks and lead mitigation efforts, securing cross-functional commitment to recovery plans.
Conduct regular program reviews with internal and external stakeholders, addressing status, action items, risks, and resource needs.
- Resolve disconnects between functional areas by driving timely conflict resolution and ensuring alignment.
- Contribute to improved delivery performance through best‑practice identification, validation, documentation, and communication.
Ensure compliance with Howmet Aerospace business conduct policies, programs and standards.
Lead large scale Capital projects through proven project management experience.
Qualifications
- Required Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- Strong familiarity with manufacturing and operational environments.
- Experience in aerospace and metal industries.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially spreadsheets and data-driven tools.
- Excellent analytical skills and strong functional knowledge of manufacturing processes.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives in a demanding environment
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain positive relationships across diverse groups.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive performance.
- Project Management experience
- Six Sigma Black Belt,
- Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen experience.
- Proven track record of driving automation, process improvements, and operational excellence.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university.
- Minimum 15 years' experience in manufacturing with some level of plant operational management.
- - -Project Management experience of large scale capex projects
Effective communication skills and ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Ability to lead a team of technical leaders.
- Ability to work closely and communicate effectively with all levels of the Howmet organization.
- Strong analytical and problem resolution skills in support of business planning, strategy development/deployment, relationship management and conflict resolution.
- Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency
Project Director in Exeter employer: Howmet Aerospace
Howmet Aerospace in Exeter is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful engineering projects that enhance product quality and operational efficiency. With a strong commitment to Six Sigma methodologies, team members are empowered to drive continuous improvement and contribute meaningfully to the company's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director in Exeter
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Howmet Aerospace, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Howmet Aerospace specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howmet Aerospace
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Howmet Aerospace, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Howmet Aerospace value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
