Procurement Lead

• Locations 10 Old Highway 8 SW, New Brighton, MN, 55112, US th Avenue NW, Big Lake, MN, 55309, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Position Summary:

The Procurement Lead oversees the daily activities of the procurement team, ensuring timely, accurate, and cost‑effective quoting and purchasing of materials, supplies, and services. This role provides direct supervision, coaching, and workflow coordination for procurement staff, while maintaining hands‑on responsibility for complex purchasing tasks and vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directs the activities of procurement staff, assign daily tasks, monitor workload and ensure timely completion of purchasing activities.
• Defines purchasing strategies and tactics to ensure Plant and BU targets are met
• Direct and administer the quoting and purchasing of materials, products and services at competitive pricing levels consistent with specification requirements

Oversee requisition review, PO creation, order tracking, and delivery notification; personally handle complex or high‑value purchases.

Develops and manages a qualified supplier base and maintains strong supplier relationships

Negotiate pricing within approved guidelines of all materials, products and services

Communicate supplier issues to BU Procurement and/or Category Management; resolves escalated vendor issues

Actively communicates and provides timely information to keep appropriate personnel informed

Assures supplier contracts are consistent with U.S. laws and meet the needs of the organization

Develops, administers and coordinates purchasing policies and procedures

Keeps current on new technologies and markets

Assures training and development of all purchasing personnel, ensures team adherence to purchasing policies, documentation standards, and audit requirements.

Partner with operations, sales and finance to support production schedules and resolve material‑related issues.

Identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows, reduce lead times, and improve supplier performance.

• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Business, Supply Chain or Finance

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Supply Chain or Purchasing position

Minimum 3 years’ supervisory experience

Knowledge and understanding of procurement and financial best practices and compliance (Sarbanes Oxley, Import/Export Laws, Etc.).

• 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 Regulations (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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous defense and aerospace manufacturing experience
• Ability to write and negotiate complex contracts for the obtaining of goods and services
• Proficient PC skills in a Windows environment
• Experience with IFS (ERP Systems)
• Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of business law
• Supervisory or leadership experience
• Working knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes
• Extensive raw materials background
• Demonstrated project leadership skills
• Experience with ISO quality systems

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. The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000.

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…