General Manager

General Manager / Site Leader

Precision Manufacturing | Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain

On-Site | Mid-Atlantic Region or Southeast Region

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.

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• A theoretical Lean evangelist seat
• A place to hide behind layers of approval or unlimited capex

• 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