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Job Description Job Title: Vice President & General Manager, Bird-Johnson Propeller Company Date: 7/30/2026 Reports To: Group President Job Overview: The Vice President / General Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the Bird-Johnson Propeller Company, powered by Fairbanks Morse Defense. The role is located in Walpole, MA with accountability for the Pascagoula, MS site and regionally located field service teams as well. This position will ensure the facility operates efficiently, safely, and profitably, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. The VP/GM will provide strategic direction, leadership, and vision to the operations and workforce, driving a growth mindset, continuous improvement initiatives and implementing best practices across the organization. Principle Duties and Responsibilities Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning:
Develop and execute the business’s strategic initiatives, aligning them with overall corporate objectives. Analyze production data and plant performance, providing recommendations for process optimization and efficiency improvements. Evaluate market trends, technology innovations, and competitor activities to keep the plant competitive and innovative. Drive installed base and aftermarket growth while maintaining Bird-Johnson’s US Navy market leading propulsion systems position Develop and pursue rest of world opportunities and strategy
Financial Management:
Full P&L ownership for both original equipment and aftermarket Develop, monitor, and manage the business’s budget, including cost control, forecasting, and resource allocation through a robust EAC process. Ensure plant profitability by managing costs, improving productivity, and reducing waste. Implement financial and operational performance reporting systems.
3. Customer and Stakeholder Relations:
Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, customers, suppliers, and external partners. Work closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to align production schedules with customer demands, as well as support to new sales opportunities. Support Sales team in proposal and pricing preparations for new opportunities, in addition to follow on proposals. Resolve customer issues related to product quality, delivery timelines, or other concerns in a timely and effective manner.
Leadership and Staff Development:
Provide leadership and direction to directors, managers, and employees, ensuring clear goals, accountability, and performance metrics across our team of 250 employees Foster a high-performance culture by promoting employee engagement, teamwork, and development opportunities. Oversee the hiring, training, and professional growth of Bird-Johnson personnel to ensure the team is skilled, motivated, and aligned with company goals.
Functional Leadership:
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, fostering a culture of safety. Lead across all departments, including production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, human resources, and logistics. Oversee day-to-day operations of the manufacturing plants, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives. Drive continuous improvement mindset to meet or exceed production targets, quality standards, and cost controls.
Risk Management:
Identify and mitigate potential risks related to production, safety, environmental impact, and business operations. Establish and maintain effective crisis management protocols to address any unforeseen disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure the manufacturing plant complies with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain certifications and quality standards (ISO, Six Sigma, etc.) in line with industry requirements.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred. Experience: Minimum of 10-15 years in manufacturing operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (VP/GM, Director). Skills & Knowledge:
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and lean manufacturing principles. Proven experience in leading large-scale operations with a focus on efficiency and quality. Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasts, and P&L statements. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse workforce. Proficient in data analysis and utilizing technology to drive operational improvements.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to visit all areas of the manufacturing plant and perform walking, standing, or other activities as necessary.
Additional Information:
Travel required. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.
