Job Description

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking Sourcing Specialist in our Fullerton, CA location.

Position is responsible for cost reduction activities within specified commodities or locations and optimizing the buying process for those commodities. The Sourcing Specialist has major purchasing responsibilities for assigned commodities and services, ensuring that all procurements are made in accordance with Howmet purchasing policies and procedures.  Provides materials and services required for efficient operations and secures favorable pricing through vendor negotiations. Works closely with in cross-functional teams to drive early supplier engagement throughout the development phases and product qualifications. Builds strong strategic relationships with supply partners and internal stakeholders to ensure project timing and cost targets are met. Determines the total cost of ownership for commodities by understanding the underlying cost drivers supporting new business awards. Takes the lead in making sure Howmet can meet its cost targets, suppliers deliver on time and parts are received at the highest level of quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic sourcing process for the assigned commodities and projects
• Develop sourcing strategies by analyzing the supply base, market conditions, and technology roadmaps 
• Lead contractual negotiations with suppliers on NDA’s, Terms & Conditions and Long-term agreements
• Identify potential suppliers, analyze capabilities, and develop a sourcing strategy and roadmap for Howmet stakeholders
• Perform detailed analysis of supplier quote submissions based on cost breakdown data and support it with Total Cost of Ownership and should-costs
• Reconciles invoices and purchase orders to ensure accuracy with payments. This will require working closely with stakeholders and vendors to identify services rendered.
• Identify and implement cost reductions on new and series production products and services
• Manage supplier relationships including monitoring supplier performance, competitiveness and take necessary steps to address gaps and resolve issues
• Support the efforts of supplier quality team for supplier development, qualification, and quality issues resolution
• Recommend and effectively present leadership sourcing strategies for multiple programs that meet the business objectives and timelines
• Build relationships across multiple teams (Corporate, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations) and work across different levels in the organization to ensure program timelines are achieved
• Processes requisitions and places purchase orders to ensure a continuous supply of materials and services, maintaining responsibility for each procurement until all items are received, accepted, invoiced and paid
• Negotiates pricing and terms with vendors to ensure that Howmet receives best value for each purchasing dollar expended
• Monitors supplier performance, maintaining a close relationship with vendors.  May visit vendor facilities to review operations and suggest resources for improvement
• Maintain positive, mutually beneficial relationships between suppliers and the Company
• Works closely with Engineering, Research & Development, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and other internal customers to determine requirements and to ensure superior levels of service
• Coordinates the purchasing process in the Focus Factories and provides guidance and direction on implementing and maintaining best practices
• Utilizes electronic business enterprise systems to leverage management of purchasing activities
• Serves on a resource to the organization and provides education and training on purchasing matters
• Ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standards
• Maintains full compliance with Company policies and procedures and conducts all activities in accordance with the Howmet’s Guide to Business Conduct
• Demonstrates a knowledge of and commitment to Howmet Business Systems manufacturing principles and techniques

• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain, production management, logistics, or a closely related discipline is required. 
• 3+ years of experience purchasing a wide range of materials, products, and services in a manufacturing environment.  Experience can be in purchasing or in a related job function.  
• Exposure to the principles of lean manufacturing.  A thorough knowledge of electronic business enterprise systems. 
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface effectively with vendors and internal/external customers. 
• Excellent negotiations skills to secure best value for the company. 
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and demonstrated experience sourcing commodities like steel, aluminum, electro/electronic and mechanical components, tooling and finished goods.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Passion for results, strategy, and hands on execution. 
• Creative, calculated risk taker with the ability to manage large and/or difficult suppliers, with complex/diversified portfolios. Ability to resolve disputes while preserving relationships with suppliers and internal staff.
• Strong written and verbal skills as well as organizational and program management capabilities.
• New Product Introduction experience is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing both tactical and strategic initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience utilizing technology and/or artificial intelligence to streamline procurement workflows and support digital transformation.
• Experience implementing automation tools to enhance Procurement efficiency, speed and accuracy.
• Five years buying experience in commodities such as indirect commodities, CNC machining, raw material, sheet metal fabrication, stamping, investment casting, forging, paint, plate, coatings and other commodities.

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.
• Comfortable with shop floor conditions and at times locating work orders, and/or parts. Majority of tasks will be done in an office setting, but some shop floor interaction is necessary.
• The employee is responsible to maintain fitness-for-duty while holding the above-described position and should be able to perform the essential tasks of the position in a safe, appropriate and effective manner. This refers to the physical, mental and emotional duties of the job.
• Reaching above and below, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and bending.
• The employee must occasionally lift / carry / move up to 25 pounds.
• Needs a high degree of concentration in a busy office environment.
• Need to be able to wear safety steel toe shoes and walk around at shop floor environment as needed.

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 $75,000 to $90,000

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 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 TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com