Manufacturing General Manager, ETO Operations

CONFIDENTIAL RETAINED SEARCH

We are conducting a confidential, retained search for a manufacturing general manager at a well-established engineered-to-order (ETO) manufacturing company. The general manager will oversee end-to-end plant operations, in partnership with engineering, supply chain, and quality leaders. We seek executives with 5+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume ETO manufacturing environment.

Search Reference: TNF-MFG-GM-2026 | ETO Plant Operations Leadership Mandate

About This Search

Top Notch Finders holds an exclusive, strictly confidential retained search for a general manager of ETO manufacturing operations at a well-established organization. Because we protect our client and every candidate, we disclose the company’s identity and the location of its operations only to qualified candidates under a confidentiality agreement. In addition, Top Notch Finders receives and manages every inquiry and application directly.

The Manufacturing General Manager Opportunity

The general manager oversees end-to-end plant activities so that teams build products on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. As a result, this leader works closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality to meet strict ETO requirements and customer specifications. In addition, the role defines operational goals, aligns teams around shared objectives, and ensures compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations. Ultimately, the executive builds a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Operating Context

For example, every product in an ETO plant follows customer specifications, so production demands and customer expectations shift often. Because of this, the leader must manage competing priorities, adapt quickly, and keep focus under pressure. This executive also builds strong relationships at every level, from the shop floor to executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and communicate clear performance standards that support operational goals and customer requirements.
• Define success metrics for safety, delivery, quality, and cost in an ETO production environment.
• Align manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain priorities with build schedules and customer delivery timelines.
• Ensure compliance with ETO-specific regulatory, environmental, and contractual requirements.
• Lead initiatives that improve process efficiency, reduce lead times, and increase capacity without compromising quality.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Develop operational strategies that support scalability, product lifecycle changes, and new program launches.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume ETO manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to safety, employee development, and operational transparency.
• Solid understanding of production planning, supply chain logistics, and quality management systems.
• Proven success managing manufacturing operations with tight tolerances and regulatory or customer audits.
• Hands-on knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience managing ETO programs across multiple product lines or customers.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, or similar OEM quality protocols.
• Knowledge of ERP and MRP systems and digital manufacturing tools, such as MES and IoT-enabled systems.
• Demonstrated success launching new ETO programs or transitioning products into production.

Who You Are

You are a strategic thinker who thrives in high-complexity environments and leads through influence and clarity. In addition, you align diverse teams around common goals and bring a proactive approach to problem-solving. Likewise, you promote an inclusive environment where every team member contributes to success, and you deliver consistent results under pressure.

How to Apply in Confidence

Because this is a discreet, retained engagement, we will never present your candidacy to any organization without your explicit prior authorization. In addition, the hiring company cannot see any application at this stage.

If you are an accomplished plant leader and want to be considered as our next manufacturing general manager, please submit your resume in confidence through the Top Notch Finders website. Also, reference search code TNF-MFG-GM-2026 in your submission. However, do not include proprietary information of any current or former employer in your application materials. Finally, we will contact only the candidates whose backgrounds align closely with the mandate.