What are the responsibilities and job description for the Site General Manager (Aerospace & Power Systems) position at VanderHouwen?
Status: Direct Hire
Job Title: Site Manager (Aerospace & Power Systems)
Salary: $225,000 – $240,000 25% Bonus
Location: 100% Onsite
About the Company:
We are a global leader in motion and control technologies, driving the future of aerospace and defense. For nearly a century, we have partnered with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers to solve their greatest engineering challenges. It is nearly impossible to board an aircraft today—whether commercial, military, or business jet—that does not rely on our technology to fly safely.
From flight control and hydraulic systems to fuel and fluid conveyance, our innovations are critical to the performance and safety of aviation worldwide. We don’t just build parts; we engineer the systems that keep the world moving.
Site Manager (Aerospace & Power Systems):
Our client, a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies, is seeking a strategic General Manager to lead their Fire, Safety, and Power Systems manufacturing site. This facility is a critical hub for power generation, magnetics, and sensors used in commercial and defense aerospace applications.
This is not a traditional "keep the lights on" plant management role. We are looking for a forward-thinking executive with a strong background in Business Development, Engineering, or Technical Sales who can drive the next generation of growth. While this role oversees operations, the primary focus is on strategic expansion, new product introduction, and customer engagement rather than sustaining legacy products.
The Team & Culture:
This site generates approximately $110M in revenue and houses a collaborative team of roughly 260–270 employees. The culture is cohesive, down-to-earth, and team-oriented, with very low turnover and high tenure.
As the top leader at this location, you will manage a senior leadership team of 10 direct reports covering Supply Chain, Program Management, Finance, Engineering, and Production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute strategies to drive business growth and engineering innovation in a highly regulated aerospace environment.
- Business Development: Act as the external face of the site, focusing on customer relationships and securing opportunities for next-generation applications.
- New Product Introduction (NPI): Champion innovation and the transition from design to manufacturing, ensuring the site is positioned for high growth.
- Operational Excellence: Provide high-level oversight to manufacturing operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing.
- Team Management: Mentor and lead a diverse, cross-functional leadership team, maintaining the site’s strong legacy of collaboration and employee retention.
Required Qualifications:
- Industry Experience: Must have significant experience in Aerospace manufacturing (Commercial or Defense). This is a mandatory requirement.
- Strategic Background: 10 years of progressive leadership experience with a specific focus on Business Development, Technical Sales, or Engineering leadership. (Candidates with a pure Plant Manager/Operations background are not the right fit for this strategic scope).
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in Engineering is highly preferred.
- Technical Acumen: Experience with New Product Development and introduction is essential.
- Systems: Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and Microsoft Office.
- Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) capable of meeting ITAR regulations.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Base Salary: $225,000 – $240,000 per year.
- Bonus: 25% annual target based on division performance (3-tiered factors).
- Relocation: Full relocation support is provided for both renters and homeowners, managed by a dedicated third-party vendor to handle logistics and temporary housing.
- Retirement: 401(k) with 5% match 3% automatic retirement contribution.
- Time Off: 15 days of PTO (increases with tenure) 13 paid holidays.
- Health: Comprehensive medical coverage (Anthem) with 8 plan options.
Schedule & Work Environment
- This is a 100% on-site.
- While the manufacturing floor operates on a Monday–Thursday (10-hour shift) schedule, this leadership role is Monday–Friday with some flexibility in core hours.
Interview Process Please note that because this is a high-level strategic role, the interview process is thorough and may take 2–3 months to complete.
- Initial Screening: Review of background and qualifications.
- Virtual Interview: 1-on-1 call with the Division General Manager and HR Manager.
- Site Visit (Portland): On-site interview to meet the local team and tour the facility.
- Executive Interview: Travel to the division headquarters for further leadership discussions.
- Leadership Assessment: A comprehensive external assessment (Leadership Development Worldwide) involving an online component and an assessor interview.
- Final Review
Pre-Employment Screenings
- 7-year background check.
- Drug screening (includes THC).
Salary : $225,000 - $240,000