General Manager

ERMCO - PHOENIX•Waddell, AZ

20h

About The Position

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America. With a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future. We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished General Manager to lead operations for our brand‑new, highly automated manufacturing plant in Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in the production of three‑phase transformers. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing production, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing engineering within a cutting‑edge, automation‑driven environment. As this facility is currently under development, the General Manager will play an essential role in plant startup, implementing world‑class manufacturing practices, building a high‑performing team from the ground up, and ensuring a successful launch and scale‑up of operations. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in high‑automation plants and prior startup or greenfield manufacturing leadership. To ensure continuity and alignment with established processes, this role requires ongoing travel to our existing three‑phase transformer plant in Dyersburg, TN, particularly during the initial training and startup phases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
Proven experience leading high‑automation manufacturing operations.
Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and capital project oversight.
Understanding of key business functions including purchasing, sales, finance, HR, and supply chain.
Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, safety standards, and quality systems; transformer industry experience preferred.
Strong decision‑making, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
Demonstrated servant leadership qualities; able to motivate teams and build a positive, high‑engagement culture.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
High attention to detail with a commitment to safety and quality excellence.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital manufacturing tools.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success in plant startup or greenfield manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
transformer industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead full plant startup activities, ensuring all systems, people, and processes are in place for a successful launch of the Phoenix facility.
Develop and execute short‑ and long‑term business strategies that align with corporate objectives and plant goals.
Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring consistent, safe, and efficient production performance.
Analyze performance metrics, financial results, and operational data to drive productivity, quality, and cost improvements.
Manage labor strategy, including workforce planning, staffing levels, and skill development, to meet production and automation needs.
Lead the plant’s P&L responsibilities and ensure alignment with financial targets.
Manage budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditures, including automation investments and continuous improvement initiatives.
Direct engineering and project teams in the design, procurement, installation, and optimization of new automated manufacturing lines—delivered on time and on budget.
Oversee plant‑level projects aimed at operational excellence, efficiency, and quality enhancement.
Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing leadership team and workforce for a new plant environment.
Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Participate in hiring processes to attract talent skilled in automation, manufacturing, and high‑performance operations.
Provide coaching and career development to prepare team members for future roles within the organization.
Ensure uncompromising adherence to safety standards and cultivate a safety‑first culture.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Champion quality excellence by driving process discipline, continuous improvement, and adherence to manufacturing best practices.
Ensure strong preventive and predictive maintenance practices for automated and semi‑automated equipment.
Travel regularly to our Dyersburg, TN three‑phase transformer plant for training and alignment with established manufacturing processes, systems, and leadership practices (particularly during the first year).