General Manager, Aerospace

Lincoln Electric•Macomb, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager serves as the senior site leader with full P&L responsibility for a $50–$100M defense‑focused aerospace manufacturing facility. This role is accountable for secure delivery of high‑reliability products and systems supporting U.S. Department of Defense, aerospace prime contractors, and classified customer programs. The role requires deep experience operating in highly regulated, export‑controlled, and security‑sensitive environments, including ITAR, DFARS, NIST 800‑171, and classified program execution. The GM leads all functional disciplines and ensures the facility consistently meets mission‑critical delivery, quality, compliance, and security expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related discipline
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing operations
Demonstrated P&L ownership for a manufacturing site or major business unit
Strong working knowledge of government contracting, AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and security requirements
Experience working in ISO and AS9100 environments
Proven experience leading through government audits and customer program reviews
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance as required

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced technical degree
Familiarity with CMMC implementation and cybersecurity compliance
Experience working with major aerospace defense primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Boeing Defense)
Strong business acumen with expertise in operations management
Proven decision making, problem solving, and leadership skills
Strong technical knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes including tooling, flight hardware, and automation

Responsibilities

Full profit and loss (P&L) ownership for the Macomb, Michigan site
Develop and execute annual operating plans, budgets, and long range defense program strategies
Achieve profitability goals through effective pricing, cost control, and disciplined capital investment
Review and approve budgets, capital expenditures and planning, customer and supplier contracts within delegated authority
Develop and execute short-term and long-term business plans consistent with company strategy and financial objectives
Deliver accurate forecasts, operational reports including challenges and corrective actions, strategic initiatives, and performance updates to executive leadership
Establish, monitor, and achieve performance goals across all operations
Sponsor continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity
Establish and ensure effective production systems and processes across all manufacturing areas including machining, fabrication, assembly, inspection, and quality assurance
Oversee production planning, scheduling, capacity utilization and planning, and resource allocation to ensure on-time, in-full, on-budget execution
Develop and coach functional leaders and teams to improve manufacturing performance and meet manufacturing goals
Champion operational modernization and capability development aligned to strategy goals
Lead defense program risk management related to supply chain, delivery, and compliance
Ensure flawless execution of new and existing defense programs involving long lead times, configuration control, and change management
Champion a zero injury safety culture across all operations focusing on Human and Organizational Performance philosophy
Ensure compliance with all applicable aerospace, cybersecurity, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements (CMMC, AS9100, ISO, UL, CE, OSHA, EPA, and other agencies)
Enforce physical, cyber, and information security protocols required for controlled data stewardship
Act as senior site representative during DCMA, DCAA, customer, and government audits ensuring compliances with government contract requirements
Maintain open and effective communication across all departments and with stakeholders
Maintain robust manufacturing methods, supplier management, First Article Inspection (FAI), change management, and traceability systems
Serve as the primary site executive for government stakeholders and GADS customers
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, government stakeholders and Lincoln Electric partners
Support sales and business development initiatives in new defense contract pursuits and site capability assessments
Lead customer quality reviews, program health, and compliance performance
Represent the company within aerospace, manufacturing, and trade associations
Set the example for practicing company values and demonstrating professional ethics and integrity
Foster a culture of integrity, candor, ownership, agility, and teamwork
Provide leadership, direction, and accountability to department leaders and management staff
Partner with HR on workforce planning, labor relations, and compliance with government labor requirements, organizational structures, talent development, performance management, and succession strategies aligned with business objectives
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Access to data, technology, and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
Access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or information and tangible items subject to U.S. export controls
Subject to certain customer/contractual requirements
May be required to meet certain citizenship, immigration, and/or location-related requirements
May be subject to screenings, background checks and additional training
Company may choose not to apply for a license for individuals whose access to export-controlled data, technology, and/or software source code may require authorization
Company may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone
Workplace harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics is prohibited
Interference with an employee’s ability to perform job duties may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination
Lincoln Electric does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters
Resumes submitted without a signed vendor agreement become the property of Lincoln Electric
No fees will be paid unless recruiting efforts are coordinated through the Recruiting Department
Company, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to seek a contractual waiver or regulatory export authorization if required
Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable qualifications, as determined by the Company, as well as adhering to all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations
This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be modified at any time at the Employer’s sole discretion
Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.