Manufacturing General Manager

About Us

For over 60 years, Pollington Machine Tool, Inc. has been a trusted precision manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, and commercial customers. The family-owned company employs 120 people across three northern Michigan facilities totaling 190,000 square feet, with capabilities in precision machining, fabrication, assembly, engineering, and quality. Pollington’s purpose is to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that meet demanding production requirements. Guided by integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement, the company is committed to operational excellence, workforce development, and dependable service.

Job Summary

Leads operational excellence, profitability & growth across all manufacturing functions. The General Manager has full profit-and-loss accountability and is responsible for the overall direction, performance, and continuous improvement of Pollington Machine Tool’s operations, including machining, fabrication, assembly, quality, engineering, materials, and support functions, while delivering on-time, high-quality products to aerospace, defense, automotive, and commercial customers.

Purpose

Manage all aspects of the precision manufacturing operation to achieve operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth through effective leadership of production, quality, inventory, safety, and financial performance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly manages department managers and supervisors in Operations, Quality, Engineering, Materials/Production Control, and related support areas.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and employee engagement across all sites.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and full accountability for all plant operations, including CNC machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, quality, engineering, purchasing, and inventory control.
• Maintain full profit-and-loss accountability for the operation, including budgets, labor costs, inventory, capital expenditures, margin improvement, and overall financial performance.
• Develop and execute strategic and tactical plans that improve operations, on-time delivery, quality, productivity, cash generation, and return on investment.
• Oversee daily operations using operational reporting and key performance indicators to monitor performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, SMED, etc.) to increase capacity, efficiency, and capability.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems (AS9100, ISO), safety regulations (OSHA), and all applicable industry and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and ownership on customer relationships, quoting strategy, new business opportunities, and resolution of escalated customer issues.
• Manage multi-site operations and support facility expansion, capacity growth, and capital equipment planning.
• Direct supply chain activities including purchasing, forecasting, inventory management, and supplier negotiations.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate managers, supervisors, and teams through effective staffing, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and systems are developed, updated, implemented, and followed.
• Represent the company with key customers, suppliers, and community stakeholders as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Proven track record of leadership and supervision in a precision manufacturing environment with strong team-building, coaching, and employee relations skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing operations, CNC machining, fabrication, maintenance, and engineering principles.
• Proficiency in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies; strong knowledge of quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Knowledge of automotive, aerospace, and defense manufacturing processes and specifications.
• Adept in supply chain management, contract negotiations, purchasing, forecasting, and inventory control.
• Strong financial acumen: budgeting, cost analysis, P&L management, and driving profitable growth.
• Excellent organizational, planning, interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills; ability to work collaboratively and make effective decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; ability to evaluate complex data, read blueprints, and understand manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency in JobBoss (or similar ERP), Microsoft Office (including Excel), and SharePoint.
• Proactive, results-oriented leader skilled at engaging customers, suppliers, and employees at all levels.

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence – Leads manufacturing operations through effective planning, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Financial Acumen – Manages P&L performance, labor productivity, inventory, operating expenses, and capital expenditures to improve margins and results.
• Safety Leadership – Promotes a culture of safety and accountability; ensures compliance with OSHA and company standards.
• People Leadership – Identifies and develops talent, builds high-performing teams, and creates a culture of trust and accountability.
• Customer Focus & Communication – Builds strong relationships with customers and internal partners; communicates clearly and with a sense of urgency.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive manufacturing management experience, with at least 5 years in precision machining, fabrication, or related environments (automotive, aerospace, or defense preferred).
• Demonstrated P&L management experience and success implementing lean initiatives and driving operational improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move about the manufacturing floor for extended periods to observe operations and engage with employees.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while performing computer-based and administrative work.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving of materials up to 25 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read blueprints, inspect parts, review detailed documents, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, temperature variations, and typical shop-floor conditions.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person