General Manager - Automation Manufacturing

Location: Florida
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About the Company

Our client is a leading provider of custom robotics, assembly, and packaging automation solutions. Serving industries including medical device, life sciences, aerospace, and consumer products, they specialize in building high-performance, labor-saving equipment including robotic systems, machine vision integration, and advanced packaging machinery.

Position Overview

We are seeking a driven and well-rounded General Manager to lead day-to-day operations and support long-term growth. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with strong business acumen—ideally someone ready for their first P&L responsibility or with some experience managing cross-functional teams.

This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a technical environment and has the financial, operational, and commercial instincts to scale a dynamic manufacturing business. You will oversee operations, engineering, purchasing, sales and project execution, while working closely with the CEO to shape the future of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily operations across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and project delivery
• Ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of custom and standard automation equipment
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, throughput, and customer satisfaction

Financial Oversight

• Manage site-level P&L in collaboration with the CEO and Finance team
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and key financial KPIs
• Identify cost savings and margin improvement opportunities

Commercial Oversight

• Help lead and support the cross-functional approach to the market between Sales, Engineering and Operations
• Collaborate with sales and engineering on quoting, pricing strategy, and project scoping
• Support customer negotiations and ensure alignment between project requirements and capabilities
• Build strong relationships with key customers and suppliers

Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across multiple departments
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration
• Ensure clarity of goals, expectations, and performance feedback across teams

Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the long-term growth strategy alongside the CEO
• Identify operational investments, resource needs, and organizational improvements to support scaling
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, or partners that enhance market position

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Mechatronic preferred)
• Strong experience in Engineering working with machinery and/or automation equipment
• Strong experience with finance, purchasing, and manufacturing
• 5-8 years of senior leadership experience in a technical environment
• Interest in or readiness for first-time P&L responsibility
• Manufacturing experience in a machine building environment
• Experience in custom automation, machinery, or capital equipment
• Hands-on, industrial engineering/manufacturing project-based experience required

Preferred

• MBA or advanced business training
• Previous experience leading cross-functional teams (engineering, purchasing, production)

What Success Looks Like

• Projects are delivered profitably and on time
• Operational metrics (quality, delivery, margin) are consistently improving
• Internal teams are aligned, engaged, and accountable
• Customers view the company as a trusted and responsive automation partner
• The organization remains an employer of choice

Why Join?

• Be part of a growing leader in automation and robotics
• Work directly with a visionary CEO and leadership team
• Take on a broad leadership role with real impact
• Join a values-driven company focused on innovation, quality, and growth