General Manager

Purpose: Westrafo is a leading company specializing in the design and manufacturing of electrical transformers, serving global industrial and renewable markets. Our focus is on innovation, sustainability, quality, and building strong customer partnerships. Backed by experienced investment partners and a global team, we are building a world-class operation focused on safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to lead a startup facility from the ground up and play a key role in shaping our culture, systems, and long-term success.

The General Manager will be responsible for the overall performance of the facility, encompassing operations, financial results, safety, quality, and team development. This leader will drive the successful stabilization and growth of the plant, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and global manufacturing standards. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic leader with strong manufacturing expertise and experience in electrical equipment or heavy industrial environments.

Duties:

Operational Leadership:

• Lead all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, and EHS.
• Oversee facility startup, ramp-up, and steady-state operations.
• Ensure on-time delivery, cost-control, and adherence to quality standards.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.

Financial & Strategic Management:

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor P&L performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics aligned with business objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership and investment partners on strategic initiatives.

Safety, Quality & Compliance:

• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements related to transformer manufacturing.
• Lead quality systems to achieve high customer satisfaction and minimal defects.

People & Culture:

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing leadership team.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention of skilled talent.
• Establish a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a visible leader on the production floor and throughout the facility.

Stakeholder & Global Collaboration:

• Work closely with global teams, engineering partners, suppliers, and customers.
• Represent the facility in interactions with corporate leadership, investors, and external partners.
• Support customer visits, audits, and technical reviews.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading a plant or major manufacturing operation.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility.
• Experience in electrical equipment, transformers, power distribution, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in startup or high-growth manufacturing environments.
• Results-driven, with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding operational targets.
• Effective communicator with an ability to articulate strategies clearly.
• An ethical leader with integrity who is capable of building trust amongst the team and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Preferred:

• MBA or advanced technical degree.
• Experience working with global or multinational teams.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement certifications.
• Strong understanding of transformer design, testing, and manufacturing processes.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic and operational leadership.
• Change management and problem-solving.
• Results-driven with a hands-on leadership style.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Why Join us:

• Opportunity to build and lead a new manufacturing facility from the ground up.
• High-visibility role with executive leadership and investment partners.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Long-term growth and career advancement opportunities.

Additional Information:

• On-site position in Trotwood, OH.
• If selected for this role, a drug screen and background check will be conducted.
• Competitive salary with performance incentives.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.