General Manager
Apply NowCompany: Karman Space and Defense
Location: Corona, CA 92882
Description:
SUMMARY:
The General Manager at Karman Space & Defense plays a critical leadership role in ensuring operational excellence, strategic growth, and continuous improvement at our manufacturing facilities. This role requires a seasoned leader who excels in precision aerospace manufacturing, operational strategy, and team development.
ABOUT US:
KARMAN SPACE & DEFENSE: Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry's most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:
Education/Training/Experience
EXPECTATIONS:
The General Manager is expected to exhibit initiative, decisiveness, and strategic foresight in driving the operational success of Karman Space & Defense. This role is accountable for maintaining standards, delivering measurable results, and strategically contributing to the company's ongoing growth and industry leadership.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Knowledge of Precision Aerospace Machining, Welding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Tooling Fabrication, team building, Lean strategies, MRP systems, job costing, and cost reduction. Must be PC literate (spreadsheet, graphics, database, word processing, and other software understanding).
The General Manager at Karman Space & Defense plays a critical leadership role in ensuring operational excellence, strategic growth, and continuous improvement at our manufacturing facilities. This role requires a seasoned leader who excels in precision aerospace manufacturing, operational strategy, and team development.
ABOUT US:
KARMAN SPACE & DEFENSE: Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry's most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strategic leadership and for all LA Region operations.
- Responsible for LA Region growth, budget and P&L
- Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing leadership team, emphasizing empowerment, Lean Manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee production supervisors and operational staff, driving accountability, team performance, and employee growth.
- Implement and optimize capacity management systems, effectively managing labor and equipment resources to meet production demands.
- Drive cost optimization initiatives, proactively identifying opportunities for cost avoidance and continuous cost reduction.
- Spearhead initiatives to automate processes and integrate cutting-edge technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and quality.
- Establish and enforce rigorous quality control practices, embedding error-proofing and visible quality standards directly within production processes.
- Maintain operational excellence, achieving a minimum of 980% on-time customer delivery and ensuring a 100% safety compliance record.
- Utilize comprehensive metrics and reporting systems to monitor, evaluate, and improve operational performance.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Maximize production efficiency through the systematic application of Lean methodologies.
- Prepare detailed performance reports, metrics, and periodic reviews using advanced analytical and office software tools.
- Maintain effective communication with executive management, peers, subordinates, external vendors, contractors, and customers.
- Proactively address operational challenges through visible, hands-on leadership, regularly engaging across production and administrative areas.
- Foster a culture of accountability, strategic planning, and operational agility, continuously aligning departmental goals with the broader strategic objectives of Karman.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:
Education/Training/Experience
- Minimum of ten years of proven leadership experience within precision aerospace manufacturing, including direct management responsibility for teams of 8-10 members.
- Bachelor's degree preferred; relevant experience and proven expertise will be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Extensive knowledge of aerospace machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, tooling fabrication, MRP systems, job costing, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Strong proficiency with PC software, including spreadsheets, databases, graphical presentations, and document preparation tools.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively across multiple organizational levels.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize effectively, adapt swiftly to shifting operational demands, and drive performance within high-stakes, regulated environments.
EXPECTATIONS:
The General Manager is expected to exhibit initiative, decisiveness, and strategic foresight in driving the operational success of Karman Space & Defense. This role is accountable for maintaining standards, delivering measurable results, and strategically contributing to the company's ongoing growth and industry leadership.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Knowledge of Precision Aerospace Machining, Welding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Tooling Fabrication, team building, Lean strategies, MRP systems, job costing, and cost reduction. Must be PC literate (spreadsheet, graphics, database, word processing, and other software understanding).