General Manager

Company Description

Gerhardt Gear Co. is one of the most advanced gear companies in the world, operating from a modern 30,000-square-foot facility. With over 50 years of experience, the company has earned recognition from esteemed clients such as NASA, Boeing, Lockheed, and Eaton Aerospace. As a third-generation family-owned business, Gerhardt Gear Co. specializes in manufacturing various types of precision gears and splines, including Spur Gears, Helical Gears, Worm & Worm Gears, Splines, Shafts, and Sprockets. Our dedication to superior quality ensures customer trust and satisfaction.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced General Manager to lead our aerospace gear manufacturing facility located in Burbank, CA. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, strategic leader with deep industry knowledge, exceptional operational acumen, and a proven ability to drive results in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment. This position plays a key role in shaping company culture, optimizing processes, and ensuring consistent excellence across production, quality, safety, and team performance.

The General Manager will oversee a staff of approximately 70 employees and will serve as the primary leadership connection between production operations and executive management. This role requires an individual who is both technically adept and people-focused, able to lead through example, mentor emerging talent, and maintain a culture of continuous education and improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational direction to all departments including Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Administration.
Drive operational excellence through process optimization and efficiency improvements.
Ensure compliance with all aerospace and quality certifications, including AS9100 and ISO standards.
Oversee the financial performance of the facility, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
Foster a culture of learning and professional growth, ensuring that all employees have access to education, training, and cross-departmental skill development opportunities.
Collaborate closely with the CEO and COO to align operational goals with long-term strategic business objectives.
Implement and uphold a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all regulatory and company safety policies.
Lead and inspire a diverse workforce by promoting accountability, communication, and teamwork across all departments.
Help manage and develop leadership team members to ensure consistent execution of company initiatives and continuous improvement.
Serve as the company’s ambassador for quality and customer satisfaction, maintaining relationships with key clients and partners in the aerospace industry.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the Aerospace manufacturing industry, including at least 5 years as a General Manager, Director of Operations, or equivalent senior management role.
Proven experience managing a facility or department of 50+ employees within a precision manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of aerospace gear manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, heat treatment, finishing, and inspection.
Demonstrated success within manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
Financial management experience with full P&L responsibility.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills with a passion for developing talent and fostering a culture of education.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
Must be a hands-on, results-driven leader with the ability to balance strategic planning and day-to-day operational execution.

Company Culture

Our company operates on the principles of innovation, accountability, and growth. We believe that education fuels excellence and that every team member should have opportunities to expand their skills and understanding of aerospace manufacturing. The environment is fast-paced, demanding, and collaborative; ideal for a leader who thrives on challenge, values precision, and takes pride in excellence.

We offer a 4-day work week, recognizing the importance of work-life balance while maintaining a culture of high performance. With unlimited PTO and comprehensive benefits, we prioritize the well-being of our team while driving industry-leading results.

If you are an experienced aerospace manufacturing leader ready to guide a talented team toward new heights of innovation and quality, we invite you to apply.

Industry
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Employment Type
Full-time