Job Description Summary
The Executive Plant Leader for the GE Aerospace Asheville Ceramic Matrix Composites Facility has full business and operational responsibility for a growing site of approximately 550 employees that manufactures CMC components for critical engine programs. This role is accountable for delivering best-in-class Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost by driving stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes.
The Plant Leader will shape site strategy, lead FLIGHT DECK transformation, and build an inclusive, high-performance culture grounded in lean principles and rigorous problem solving. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional leadership, deep experience in complex manufacturing operations, and the ability to develop talent and strengthen partnerships with customers, suppliers, and the local community.
Job Description
- Culture and EHS: Build an inclusive environment that pursues excellence in EHS, Quality, Delivery, and Cost; ensure compliance and proactive risk reduction.
- Talent and Leadership: Attract, grow, and retain talent; develop staff and teams; coach problem-solving and learning culture using Lean principles.
- Strategy and Execution: Define and execute short- and long-term strategies, including footprint and product actions aligned to customer and business needs.
- FLIGHT DECK Transformation: Apply FLIGHT DECK tools and methodologies to stabilize processes, improve flow, and eliminate waste.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead the matrix across Operations, Engineering, Product Management, and Services to deliver customer and company outcomes.
- Operational Excellence: Use structured problem-solving to achieve operational and financial metrics, including on-time delivery, delinquency reduction, quality, workforce planning, compliance, safety, and cost.
- Quality Systems: Ensure robust quality management, APQP rigor, and effective engagement with regulatory agencies.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in a manufacturing leadership position
Desired Characteristics and Experience:
- Hands-on operational experience in composite or high-tech development lab environments.
- Experience leading new material and NPI introductions from concept to stable production.
- Depth in Shop Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Materials, Sourcing, and Product Engineering, with the ability to tie overall engine performance and durability to product manufacturing.
- Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and experience applying principles such as GEMBA, leader standard work, value stream mapping, and A3/PSR problem solving.
- Demonstrated ability to design and sustain an integrated operating rhythm (tiered daily management, visual controls, leader standard work) that drives accountability and continuous improvement.
- Proven ability to translate enterprise strategy into site-level objectives, cascaded targets, and aligned initiatives across functions.
- Experience leading site-level teams and cross-functional value streams to align people, processes, and metrics, delivering measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
- Demonstrated process and project leadership, including setting clear priorities, establishing meaningful KPIs, and driving execution to deliver SQDC outcomes.
- Uncompromising commitment to Safety and compliance, with a track record of building a culture where every employee owns Safety and Quality.
- Proven ability to develop leaders at all levels, including coaching teams in standard work, problem solving, and daily management, while fostering an inclusive, high-engagement culture.
- Strong track record of influencing and managing supplier relationships and joint ventures, and leading supply chain performance across multiple business cycles and product types.
- Quality experience, including working with regulatory agencies and strong knowledge of APQP.
- Experience establishing strong, trust-based relationships with customers and external stakeholders to meet delivery, technical, and cost commitments.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills, using structured problem solving to eliminate waste and improve process capability.
- Active engagement with the local community and educational institutions to support workforce development and enhance the site’s reputation.
GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.
GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional Information
GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
