FEC- Vice President​/General Manager

Job Description

Job Title:

Vice President & General Manager, Federal Equipment Company

Date: 05/21/2026

Reports To:

President - Fairbanks Morse Handling

Job Overview:
The Vice President / General Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the marine deck machinery, specialized weapons and material handling systems. Federal Equipment Company, powered by Fairbanks Morse Defense is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This position will ensure the facility operates efficiently, safely, and profitably, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

The VP/GM will provide strategic direction, leadership, and vision to the operations and workforce, driving continuous improvement initiatives and implementing best practices across the organization.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

Oversee day-to-day operations of the manufacturing plant, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.

Manage and direct production processes to meet or exceed production targets, quality standards, and cost controls.

Lead plant operations across all departments, including production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, human resources, and logistics.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, fostering a culture of safety.

Strategic Planning:

Develop and execute the plant's strategic initiatives, aligning them with overall corporate objectives.

Analyze production data and plant performance, providing recommendations for process optimization and efficiency improvements.

Evaluate market trends, technology innovations, and competitor activities to keep the plant competitive and innovative.

Financial Management:

Develop, monitor, and manage the plant's budget, including cost control, forecasting, and resource allocation.

Ensure plant profitability by managing costs, improving productivity, and reducing waste.

Implement financial and operational performance reporting systems.

Leadership and Staff Development:

Provide leadership and direction to plant managers, supervisors, and employees, ensuring clear goals, accountability, and performance metrics.

Foster a high-performance culture by promoting employee engagement, teamwork, and development opportunities.

Oversee the hiring, training, and professional growth of FME personnel to ensure the team is skilled, motivated, and aligned with company goals.

Continuous Improvement &

Innovation:

Drive the implementation of continuous improvement (CI) processes and lean manufacturing practices that make up the Fairbanks Morse Operating System (FMOS).

Lead efforts in identifying and executing process improvements that enhance plant performance, efficiency, and product quality.

Champion technological advancements and the adoption of new methodologies to improve manufacturing processes.

Customer and Stakeholder Relations:

Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, customers, suppliers, and external partners.

Work closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to align production schedules with customer demands, as well as support to new sales opportunities.

Support Sales team in proposal and pricing preparations for new opportunities, in addition to follow on proposals.

Resolve customer issues related to product quality, delivery timelines, or other concerns in a timely and effective manner.

Risk Management:

Identify and mitigate potential risks related to production, safety, environmental impact, and business operations.

Establish and maintain effective crisis management protocols to address any unforeseen disruptions.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure the manufacturing plant complies with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.

Maintain certifications and quality standards (ISO, Six Sigma, etc.) in line with industry requirements.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 10-15 years in manufacturing operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior…