General Manager

General Manager – Automotive Aluminum Operations

Location: Leetonia, Ohio

Reports To: President

About Our Client

Our client is a leading manufacturer of aluminum extrusion and aluminum solutions serving Tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEM customers across North America. The company specializes in high-volume production of structural and crash-management components and is currently investing in significant growth initiatives, including expanded fabrication capabilities and vertical integration strategies.

To support this growth, our client is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead overall site operations, drive operational excellence, and deliver strong financial and customer performance.

Position Overview

The General Manager will have full responsibility for the strategic leadership and operational performance of the facility, including P&L ownership. This executive will oversee Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and other key site functions while ensuring the organization meets customer expectations, operational targets, and long-term growth objectives.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of aluminum extrusion manufacturing expertise, automotive industry experience, and a demonstrated track record of leading complex manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Financial Leadership

• Assume full P&L responsibility for the facility.
• Develop and execute annual business plans, budgets, and operational strategies.
• Drive profitability through productivity improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and operational efficiencies.
• Lead capital investment planning and asset optimization efforts.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators to ensure achievement of business objectives.

Operations Leadership

• Direct all aspects of aluminum extrusion and fabrication operations.
• Improve performance across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost metrics.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Ensure effective production planning, workforce utilization, and asset performance.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and foster a culture of accountability.

Automotive Customer & Program Management

• Lead automotive launch activities for new products and programs.
• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards, including IATF 16949 requirements.
• Support high-volume production environments serving Tier 1 and OEM customers.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Program Management teams to support new business opportunities and customer growth.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and ensure consistent delivery performance.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and EHS.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Promote a culture of safety, engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive employee development initiatives to strengthen future operational leadership.

Strategic Growth & Expansion

• Support ongoing vertical integration initiatives and business expansion efforts.
• Identify opportunities to enhance fabrication capabilities and value-added manufacturing processes.
• Develop strategies to improve operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and customer responsiveness.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term growth planning and execution.

Required Qualifications

Industry Experience

• Direct experience within aluminum extrusion manufacturing is required.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience across both extrusion and downstream fabrication operations.

Automotive Manufacturing Experience

Candidates must have experience in one or more of the following environments:

• Automotive OEM manufacturing operations.
• Tier 1 automotive supplier organizations.
• Aluminum manufacturing companies supplying Tier 1 and OEM automotive programs.

Additionally, candidates must possess:

• Hands-on experience supporting automotive product launches.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and customer requirements.
• Experience operating within IATF 16949-certified environments.

Leadership Experience

• Prior experience as a General Manager, Plant Manager, or senior manufacturing leader.
• Demonstrated P&L ownership and accountability.
• Experience leading large-scale, high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Proven record of improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with structural, safety-critical, or crash-management aluminum components.
• Experience leading facility expansions, capacity growth, or operational scaling initiatives.
• Strong hands-on leadership style with visible floor engagement.
• Experience managing demanding Tier 1 automotive customer relationships and expectations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive compensation package.
• Performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation assistance available.