What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager Metal Fabrication position at Armstrong Nautical?
JAY AND KAY
Croswell, Michigan
GENERAL MANAGER
Position Summary
Jay and Kay is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead our Croswell, Michigan facility. This role oversees production, operations, quality, and staffing. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing background with hands-on expertise in metal working and fabrication, and knows how to run an efficient, safe shop floor while managing the business side of the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and delivery commitments are consistently met.
- Provide hands-on leadership in metal fabrication processes — cutting, forming, welding, machining, and assembly — and be able to troubleshoot issues on the floor.
- Oversee and mentor Operations and Production Managers, and set clear performance expectations across departments.
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with customers, serving as a key point of contact to ensure their needs, expectations, and satisfaction are consistently met.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, 5S, waste reduction) to increase throughput and reduce costs.
- Manage capital equipment planning, maintenance programs, and facility investment decisions.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and safety regulations; foster a strong safety culture on the shop floor.
- Oversee hiring, training, and workforce development for production and skilled trades staff.
- Manage vendor and supplier relationships, including raw materials (steel, aluminum) sourcing and pricing negotiations.
- Report business performance, KPIs, and strategic recommendations to ownership/senior leadership.
Qualifications
- 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with prior General Manager, Plant Manager, or Operations Manager experience preferred.
- Strong, demonstrated background in metal working and fabrication (welding, sheet metal, structural steel, CNC, or related processes) required.
- Proven track record managing production schedules and budgets in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills; able to build and hold accountable a multi-department team.
- Excellent customer relationship and communication skills, with a track record of maintaining strong, long-term customer partnerships.
- Solid understanding of OSHA safety standards and quality control systems.
- Proficiency with ERP/production planning software and standard office tools.
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience will be strongly considered in place of a degree.
Physical & Work Environment
- Ability to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor, including exposure to noise, heat, and standard fabrication shop conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and wear required PPE.
- This is a full-time, on-site position based in Croswell, Michigan.
Reports To
Vice President of Operations
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant manufacturing and fabrication leadership experience.
Salary commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person