General Manager of Manufacturing Operations in Charlevoix, Michigan at Grand Traverse Economic Development

Position Summary:
The General Manager of Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading all aspects of operations and business performance. This executive-level position is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of manufacturing, engineering, quality, safety, supply chain, customer service, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong manufacturing background who can drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, improve profitability, and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide overall leadership and direction for the organization to achieve operational and financial objectives.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that support growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Manage and develop department leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement initiatives to improve operational performance.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cost management activities.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on quality, throughput, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Support business development efforts by maintaining strong customer relationships and ensuring customer expectations are met.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and administrative teams to successfully execute customer programs and projects.
• Evaluate capital equipment and facility improvement opportunities to support growth and operational efficiency.
• Promote employee engagement, workforce development, succession planning, and retention initiatives.
• Ensure quality management systems and customer requirements are effectively maintained and continuously improved.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, or a related field preferred (Master’s degree a plus).
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including senior management responsibility.
• Proven success leading multi-department manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, or related industrial manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, forecasting, and profit-and-loss performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards such as AWS, ASME, ISO 9001 and other applicable certifications.
• Maintain and continuously improve the company’s ISO 9001 – certified quality management systems (QMS).
• Strong knowledge of quality systems, process controls, and customer-driven manufacturing environments.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring adherence to OSHA and all applicable regulatory standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications
• Military leadership background strongly preferred, particularly in operations, logistics, or engineering roles.
• Experience working with DoD contracts, ITAR compliance, or similar regulatory environments.
• Experience supporting highly regulated industries, complex customer specifications, or contract manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning, and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Experience leading organizations through growth, process improvements, or organizational change.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strategic planning and execution
• Operational leadership
• Financial and business management
• Employee development and performance management
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Manufacturing quality systems
• Project and program management
• Customer relationship management
• Risk assessment and problem-solving
• Organizational leadership and change management

Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Indian and Veteran preference is practiced; however, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.