VP, General Manager

Redwire Defense Tech•Ann Arbor, MI

2d•$170,000 - $275,000

About The Position

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager / Vice President to lead our Energy Systems manufacturing facility. This site leads the research, development and manufacturing of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Lithium-Ion Batteries utilized for powering our Unmanned Aerial Vehicles being developed in sister sites. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, strategy and business growth to drive the success of our manufacturing facility. Strong leadership, strategic planning and industry expertise will be instrumental in achieving operational excellence and positioning the company as a leader in the rapidly growing UAV sector. The Ann Arbor facility is currently pursuing its initial certification to the AS9100 Quality Management System standard. It will be the third Redwire facility certified in an 18-month period.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related discipline.
Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, including senior leadership roles within fuel cell, battery, aerospace (UAV preferred), or related high‑technology manufacturing environments.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, quality systems and industry best practices.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop highperforming leadership teams, fostering accountability, engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Strong track record of strategic planning and disciplined execution, delivering operational excellence, sustainable growth and measurable business results.
Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and making data-driven decisions.
Strong understanding of regulatory, safety and quality requirements specific to highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Proven track record of successfully leading and growing a manufacturing facility or business unit.
Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
Excellent communicator with the ability to engage executives, customers, partners and internal team.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
Ability to communicate company messaging in a positive and unified manner, displaying alignment with the overarching company vision and directives

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline
Experience specific to aerospace manufacturing requirements (e.g.: AS9100, FAA)
Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other manufacturing software

Responsibilities

Establish departmental goals and performance metrics, proactively monitoring KPIs to ensure schedules, quality standards, and operational targets are achieved.
Drive business growth and profitability by developing and executing site strategy in partnership with executive leadership, informed by industry trends, competitive insights and opportunities for innovation and market expansion.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders to enhance business opportunities and customer satisfaction.
Lead site-level operations with a relentless focus on manufacturing excellence, ensuring safe, efficient production, integrated supply chain performance, and on-time delivery of all Energy Systems products.
Promote strong collaboration across site-level, cross-functional, and enterprise teams, including Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Safety, HR and corporate partners to ensure alignment and execution of business objectives.
Own site financial performance, including operating and capital budgets, to ensure cost-effective operations, disciplined investment, and long-term manufacturing capability.
Ensure compliance with all quality, safety, and regulatory requirements, including AS9100, FAA, ISO, and applicable aerospace standards, while leading site certification and continuous improvement efforts.
Build and lead a high-performing organization by coaching and developing leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Serve as a senior representative of the company, engaging customers, partners, and industry forums while providing regular performance updates to executive leadership.
All other duties as assigned