General Manager

We are looking for a General Manager who will be responsible for the full range of operations, product development, internal sales, and order processing, material management, manufacturing and engineering of various gear-cutting tool products, as well as management of support functions such as Finance, Human Resources, and IT.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to the Group Vice President and is on-site in Loves Park, IL.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the General Manager of such a crucial division within the Global Tooling Products group, your role is multi-faceted and pivotal for the success of the entire organization. Here are some key areas of focus :

Leadership and Team Management : Lead and inspire a team of 250 employees to achieve operational excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Planning and Execution : Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with the company's overall objectives. Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and customer needs to drive revenue and profitability. Ensure alignment with the goals of the Global Tooling Products group while catering to the specific demands of the North American market.

Product Development and Engineering : Leverage your expertise in engineered, high-precision cutting tools to continuously innovate and improve product offerings. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to develop solutions tailored to the unique requirements of various industries served by the division.

Customer Relationship Management : Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers across automotive, aerospace, agriculture, construction, industrial gearboxes, marine, and other industries. Understand their evolving needs and provide exceptional service and support to drive customer loyalty and repeat business.

Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing : Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Global Tooling Products group. Facilitate regular communication and exchange of best practices, product knowledge, and engineering expertise among the seven sites worldwide. Encourage cross-functional teams to tackle challenges and capitalize on opportunities collectively.

Operational Excellence and Efficiency : Drive operational excellence throughout the division to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline operations and improve cost competitiveness.

Talent Development and Succession Planning : Invest in the development of your team members to build a pipeline of future leaders. Provide training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to nurture talent within the organization. Develop robust succession plans to ensure continuity and sustainability of leadership and key roles.

Compliance and Quality Assurance : Uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of operations. Implement rigorous quality assurance processes and ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards to maintain the division's reputation for excellence and reliability.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering discipline preferred; General Business discipline considered.
• Master’s Degree in the above mentioned Engineering discipline or MBA preferred.
• 10-year (s) related work experience in supervisory / management positions in manufacturing or product management.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) MS Project, Outlook.
• ERP Experience; SAP preferred.
• Understanding of markets and development of appropriate strategies to create a competitive product portfolio aligned with market opportunities.
• Prior experience in gear technology and / or cutting tool engineering / manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Knowledgeable in complex technical products; understanding of gear industry / technology and gear manufacturing processes preferred. A background in cutting tool and its manufacturing is beneficial
• Strong business acumen. Including focus in manufacturing methodologies for engineered products.
• Quick study of new information and technologies.
• Ethical and accountable with a positive, supportive attitude.
• Proven leadership qualities.
• Excellent communication skills.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

POSITION BENEFITS

The compensation package for this position is commensurate with experience and includes an attractive base salary with bonus incentive and a comprehensive benefits package.