General Manager / Site Leader
Precision Manufacturing | Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain
On-Site | Mid-Atlantic Region or Southeast Region
The Opportunity
We are a privately held precision manufacturing company supporting aerospace, defense, and industrial customers in high‑reliability environments. The business operates a multi‑shift machining facility producing complex, tight‑tolerance components where quality, on‑time delivery, and cash discipline matter .
We are seeking a hands‑on General Manager / Site Leader to take full ownership of plant operations, financial performance, and team leadership. This role is ideal for a leader who has run a facility end‑to‑end , understands the realities of a small to mid‑sized manufacturing business , and leads with accountability and respect—especially under pressure.
This is not a corporate caretaker role. It is a true ownership seat , with real authority and real consequences.
What You’ll Own
Full P&L and Site Accountability
- Own financial performance, including margin, cash flow, inventory, labor efficiency, and operating expenses
- Understand and actively manage standard cost, variances, and throughput economics
- Make disciplined decisions around capex, staffing, and working capital
Operations & Execution
- Lead all aspects of machining operations, including production, scheduling, maintenance, materials, and facilities
- Drive on‑time delivery, quality performance, and capacity utilization
- Resolve production challenges involving materials, tooling, equipment, and priorities
- Establish and run a practical daily management system (metrics, cadence, accountability)
Quality & Compliance
- Champion a Zero Defect mindset and continuous improvement culture
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 / AS9100 and customer quality requirements
- Lead customer audits, site visits, and quality reviews with credibility and confidence
People & Culture
- Lead, mentor, and hold accountable supervisors and managers across shifts
- Build trust with frontline employees through clarity, consistency, and fairness
- Address performance issues directly and professionally
- Create a culture where standards are high and people are treated with respect
Customers & External Interface
- Serve as the primary site leader for key customers, partners, and auditors
- Ensure timely, professional communication and issue resolution
- Support growth objectives through execution excellence and customer confidence
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Background
- 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, or plant management
- Proven ownership of P&L in a small to mid‑sized manufacturing environment
- Experience in precision machining, aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems
- Comfort reading and interpreting machining drawings and technical specifications
- ERP experience required (manufacturing ERP; Syteline experience a plus)
Leadership Profile
- Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information
- Strong cash and cost discipline — understands that resources are finite
- Leads under pressure without creating fear or chaos
- Willing to be on the floor, not just in meetings
- Can balance urgency with discipline and long‑term thinking
Personal Attributes
- Direct, accountable, and grounded
- High standards without arrogance
- Respected by both hourly operators and senior stakeholders
- Comfortable in an environment where performance is visible and expectations are clear
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or related field (or equivalent experience)
What This Is — and Is Not
This is:
- A true site‑leader role with authority and responsibility
- A chance to stabilize, improve, and grow a critical manufacturing operation
- An environment where results matter more than politics
This is not:
- A theoretical Lean evangelist seat
- A place to hide behind layers of approval or unlimited capex
Why This Role Is Compelling
- Real ownership and influence
- Direct impact on performance, people, and outcomes
- Leadership team that values execution, integrity, and accountability
- Opportunity to leave a visible, lasting mark on the business