Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
Job Description
Job Title: Vice President & General Manager, Federal Equipment Company
Date: 05/21/2026
Reports To: President – Fairbanks Morse Handling
Job Overview: The Vice President / General Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the marine deck machinery, specialized weapons and material handling systems. Federal Equipment Company, powered by Fairbanks Morse Defense is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. 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 continuous improvement initiatives and implementing best practices across the organization.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership:
Oversee day-to-day operations of the manufacturing plant, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.
Manage and direct production processes to meet or exceed production targets, quality standards, and cost controls.
Lead plant operations across all departments, including production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, human resources, and logistics.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, fostering a culture of safety.
Strategic Planning:
Develop and execute the plant’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.
Financial Management:
Develop, monitor, and manage the plant's budget, including cost control, forecasting, and resource allocation.
Ensure plant profitability by managing costs, improving productivity, and reducing waste.
Implement financial and operational performance reporting systems.
Leadership and Staff Development:
Provide leadership and direction to plant managers, supervisors, and employees, ensuring clear goals, accountability, and performance metrics.
Foster a high-performance culture by promoting employee engagement, teamwork, and development opportunities.
Oversee the hiring, training, and professional growth of FME personnel to ensure the team is skilled, motivated, and aligned with company goals.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Drive the implementation of continuous improvement (CI) processes and lean manufacturing practices that make up the Fairbanks Morse Operating System (FMOS).
Lead efforts in identifying and executing process improvements that enhance plant performance, efficiency, and product quality.
Champion technological advancements and the adoption of new methodologies to improve manufacturing processes.
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.
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.
[US Citizenship Requirement NOFORN access needed] This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.
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.
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
