Category Manager

Howmet Aerospace (Structures) currently seeks a Category Manager to join our team ! This role will manage specific commodities within indirect spend with a focus on Outside Processing Support (OSP) and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO). This role involves working with a global network of suppliers, requiring strategic planning and active management to meet annual EBITDA and cash targets. Effective supplier management is critical. Position is located in Howmet Cleveland Ohio or Howmet Niles Ohio locations. 

Essential Functions 

• Category Management is responsible for Indirect Categories such as MRO, Packaging, OSP, Services, Transportation, & Energy as assigned within Howmet Structures Business Unit globally. Includes but is not limited to integrated supply, industrial mill supplies, EHS supplies, and management of critical supplier relationships. 
• Overall goal is to achieve best total cost position within assigned categories. This includes, but is not limited to, also achieving the lowest sourcing risk, best supplier performance, and ensuring the highest efficiency and effectiveness to the business. 
• Successful candidate serves as point of contact for supplier issues within assigned categories including issues related to service, commercial terms, and contract disputes. 
• Successful candidate has operational and financial understanding of Melt, Forging, Grinding, Machining, and Secondary processing requirements to support Howmet HSS locations across US, UK, and Canada. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Serves as liaison between suppliers, operations, and financial teams 
• Works directly with HSS Site Procurement Operation Managers to drive HSS Procurement involvement and align with site operational goals 
• Drives standardization and continuous improvement strategies into BU developments by working with HSS VP of Procurement, HSS Director of Technical Procurement, and HSS Procurement Programs & Category Manager 
• Drives the “avoidance of single source situations” into procurement process 
• Drives data driven decision making into procurement process 
• Evaluates risk in sourcing strategy while working closely with HSS site operational teams 
• Challenges and supports negotiations on cost and pricing for key suppliers 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics and/or Engineering from accredited institution
• 5 years of Procurement experience, preferably in aerospace and/or manufacturing environment, across broad spectrum of Categories
• Must be willing to travel as needed between HSS Ohio facilities. Cleveland, Canton, and Niles. 
• Must be willing to travel up to 15% to other HSS locations. Georgia, Virginia, Minnesota, Texas, Missouri, 

Preferred: 

• Engineering degree 
• Good communication and negotiation skills 
• Project management and continuous improvement skillset 
• Data driven / strategic thinker 
• Customer-oriented with business acumen 
• Able to interface with senior leadership