IT Director

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking an IT Director to develop and deliver an IT strategy to modernize the technology of the HFS business unit. This role will be located in Torrance, CA. HFS holds 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 aero engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the global IT function, including manufacturing and distribution centers located in many regions around the world. The right candidate will have experience with ERP system implementations, such as QAD, Infor LN, Oracle, or other mid-market ERP systems. He /She will have experience managing on premise and cloud-based infrastructure and applications. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining cybersecurity (CMMC) certification. In addition, this resource will drive the introduction and adoption of innovative technology to drive improved business outcomes.

Primary Purpose of the Function

• This is a global function responsible for leading the Information Systems organizations that support the Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) business unit.
• Provide cost effective delivery of information systems and reliability of the computing environment within HFS's infrastructure and systems. Plans, directs, and controls all global IS activities for the Business Unit within the framework of Howmet Aerospace's strategy, guidelines and policies.
• Related business statistics include....
  • Over 20 Operating and Administrative Facilities
  • Total IT Spend: ~$20M
  • Total Number of Employees: ~5500
  • Total Number of IT Department Employees: ~80
• The Director of Information Technology develops and drives global Information Systems strategy consistent with business unit and corporate goals and objectives across all HFS global locations. This includes:
  • ERP consolidation roadmap and strategy
  • Acquisition integration
  • Annual global IT budget (expense and capital)
  • Support productivity, operational excellence, production operations
  • Enable global supply chain, support global growth
  • Support sales, logistics, and functions working across sites
  • Enable automation strategy and use of AI/ML
  • Provide timely business information to all stakeholders
  • Support Howmet/Customer/Industry requirements and compliance
  • Secure business data and intellectual property
• The role coordinates IT service delivery between multiple IT groups (e.g. Corporate IT), site IT organizations (e.g. Torrance, Waco), and the various other organizations within the business units.
• The Director of Information Technology is accountable for driving security and compliance policies across the global businesses such that IS controls are in place that meet or exceed Howmet Aerospace's ASAT standards, SOX, and CMMC requirements.

Major Activities/Key Challenges

• Develop and guide IT strategy and project implementation across HFS locations in 10 countries.
• Manage annual IS spend of ~$20M for operating cost, chargebacks, and capital projects.
• Own the IS capital planning process; guide and approve all IT-related capital expenditures.
• Advocate and implement the Howmet Aerospace Corporate IT strategy as established by the CIO Lead Team
• Recommend and implement common systems solutions covering all locations and functions.
• Drive ERP system implementation across all sites.
• Lead the IT function during inorganic growth/acquisition opportunities; manage strategic integration projects to implement standard Howmet Aerospace and HFS infrastructure, financial and customer reporting, software tools, and compliance processes.
• Lead global organization of 80+ employees and contractors. Ensure the growth and development of the global IT staff through continuous learning, development, and exposure to diverse HFS/Howmet operations and projects.
• Develop and maintain an organization capable of creating, deploying, and supporting common global information systems solutions throughout each business unit.
• Ensure the efficient utilization of IT resources - personnel and equipment - across all of the business's global regions and when applicable across Howmet, through the sharing of best practices and deployment of common solutions.
• Provide input to evolving factory automation strategies; ensure IT participation in building and securing shop floor networks, process control systems, and manufacturing execution systems.
• Successfully handling change management in an integrated system is a key challenge of this position. It requires significant business knowledge and an ability to work with ad hoc cross functional groups that change depending on the business/corporate objective being worked.
• Establish and maintain relationships with organization executives, department heads, and end users regarding IT activities through regular written and in-person communications.
• Manage global IT costs (TCO) for the specified business units. Utilize benchmark data to identify gaps and create efforts to achieve IS costs improvement versus industry benchmarks.
• Manage financial aspects of global IT spending within business unit IT budget constraints. This includes close monitoring of software/hardware purchases, travel, and training expenditures along with Howmet IT chargeback invoices.
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.
• As this position works across various regions of the globe and the related IT environments, it is uniquely able to identify opportunities for common processes and assist GIS global organizations in driving common administrative processes just as it drives common business processes with the business unit. As a result, a key challenge of this position is to look across regions, identify improvement opportunities, and assist in achieving them.
• Monitor and manage all business unit IT Audits and ASAT testing to ensure timely compliance with all Howmet IS ASAT and SOX requirements.
• Benchmark, analyze, report on, and make recommendations for the improvement and growth of the IT infrastructure and IT system. Works with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree; preferably in a technical discipline. MBA or other Masters Degree preferred.
• 10 years IT experience in a manufacturing environment, with 5 in a management role.
• Strong technical background, managerial skills and the ability to motivate people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. In order for this position to be successful, the incumbent must also possess a high degree of people skills as he/she must motivate and influence others including those not under his/her direct supervision.
• Project Management experience and/or training.
• ERP deployment experience.
• Department management experience
• Executive management experience
• International experience
• 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.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

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 $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, 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 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.