What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager, Warfigher position at Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.?
This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.
Job Description
Location: Simsbury, CT
Reports to: President
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Experience Level: Senior Executive
Lead with Purpose. Empower Teams. Deliver for the Warfighter.
At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we’ve been innovating for nearly 200 years, delivering mission-critical technologies that protect lives and advance exploration. As we prepare to double in size over the next 3–5 years, we’re building strong leadership in each of our key business segments.
We’re seeking a dynamic General Manager – Warfighter Segment to lead one of EBAD’s most strategically significant business units. This role carries full P&L responsibility, overseeing program, operations, and engineering execution, customer relationships, and long-term strategy. The General Manager will partner closely with the President, and senior leadership to deliver profitable growth, operational excellence, and a culture grounded in our core values.
The Opportunity
The Warfighter segment delivers advanced defense solutions designed to safeguard lives and enable mission success. The General Manager will lead all aspects of the business — from strategy development and commercial growth to program execution, operations, and customer engagement.
Core Competencies for Success
- Leadership Excellence: Inspires trust, develops talent, and builds high-performing teams.
- P&L Ownership: Proven ability to lead a full profit & loss statement with accountability for growth, margin, delivering to customer demand, and ROI.
- Commercial Acumen: Customer-centric mindset with demonstrated ability to align business growth with customer success.
- Change Leadership: Experienced in leading transformation in complex environments, embedding durable improvements.
- Program Execution & Customer Focus: Track record of winning and delivering complex aerospace and defense programs on time and budget.
- Regulatory & Contract Knowledge: Deep familiarity with ITAR, FAR/DFAR, and government/commercial contracts (CPFF, FFP, etc.).
- Technical Literacy: Ability to credibly engage with engineering, customers, and suppliers on system-level tradeoffs and business impact.
- Stakeholder Agility: Skilled at navigating across internal/external stakeholder groups, geographies, and political landscapes.
The Candidates We Are Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or Business; MBA preferred.
- 15 years of aerospace & defense leadership experience, with increasing scope and responsibility.
- Demonstrated success leading P&L or large program portfolios.
- Strong understanding of regulated defense environments and compliance requirements.
- Experience driving growth strategies while ensuring flawless execution.
- Collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with EBAD’s values.
A Defining Leadership Opportunity
- Impact: Lead a strategically important EBAD business segment with direct influence on company growth and customer mission success.
- Visibility: Work directly with the Interim President, CEO, and executive leadership team in a high-profile role.
- Legacy: Carry forward EBAD’s 188-year tradition of innovation and service to those who serve, while building for the future.
- Culture of Excellence: Thrive in a people-first, entrepreneurial environment committed to integrity, trust, and continuous improvement.
Ready to Lead with Purpose?
If you are a seasoned aerospace and defense executive ready to lead a critical EBAD business segment, drive long-term growth, and shape the future of a legacy-rich organization, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
Compensation and Rewards
We recognize that exceptional leaders deliver exceptional results. This role offers a competitive executive package including:
Base Salary: $225,000– $275,000
Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition
Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience
We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.
Salary : $225,000 - $275,000
