VP/General Manager - Defense Manufacturing

Lead the business behind mission-critical naval technology built for the world’s most demanding maritime environments

As part of Curtiss-Wright’s Naval & Power Segment and EMS division, Indal in Ontario Canada is a $85M Business Unit that serves both domestic and international military customers. Indal is a leading supplier of Aircraft Handling  & Array Handling Systems.  The Indal value proposition is to solve complex & critical shipboard equipment handling challenges for domestic & foreign Navies & Coast Guards in the surface vessel & submarine community.

Summary

Reporting to the Senior VPGM – EMS Division, you will be a key member of Curtiss-Wright’s senior management team.  You will possess outstanding leadership qualities and integrity beyond reproach.  Your demonstrated high energy drives your strong desire to succeed.  You will work effectively across all functional lines and be a team player who is capable of motivating others, with an unmatched ability to exceed performance expectations. 

As VPGM, you will provide leadership and vision to Indal as well as additional business unit responsibilities.  You will be accountable for ensuring proper operational controls, procedures, and systems within the company. You will be accountable for obtaining the performance objectives of the organization including revenue growth, profitability, cash generation, customer satisfaction, technology development, operational improvements, and talent development through your direct reports.  With full P&L responsibility, you will direct strategic and operational initiatives to effectively grow the business and ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.

YOUR CHALLENGE:

Working within the EMS Division structure, you will:

• Have full management responsibility for all business operations (P&L). Immediate task will be to assume control of the business; familiarize him/herself with the Business Unit, its activities, customers, current strategy, plans and policies
• Ensure tight control is maintained over business performance and that operating management responds quickly and effectively to any problems or adverse trends
• Review current value proposition, and operating plans and agree on the immediate and mid-term courses of action to be pursued.
• Identify, lead and engage in key business development activities which drive mid to longer term sustainable growth in revenue such as geographic and target market expansion, new product development and introduction, etc.
• Be responsible for supporting Applications and R&D engineering activities. Provide a central focus for product development including concept definition, product and technology road maps, long range planning (staff and technology needs), and sustaining engineering
• Have accountability for establishing and meeting commitments for market driven lead-times and on-time deliveries.
• Proactively resolve technical, people, and production issues to ensure success of the team and consistent production of products
• Support the Division in the development of Branding strategies, ensure branding strategies are implemented, ensure sales tools and promotional material is available for product launch
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, sales representatives, third party providers, etc.
• Ensure compliance with company standards for revenues, efficiencies, cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and complete on-time delivery
• Provide leadership across the organization for problem resolution to facilitate faster improvements and improved working relationships
• Manage compliance with local and national regulatory bodies

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business (or equivalent). An advanced educational degree in Business Management, Marketing, or the equivalent is preferred
• A minimum of 10 - 12 years of direct defense industry experience in managing business functions
• Understanding of the Process Industry market drivers
• Solid understanding of running a complex multi-product and multi-value stream business. 
• Ability to manage and negotiate with an international large supply chain
• Experience in acquisition integration a strong advantage
• Exposure to International business and managing a multi-national operational company
• Direct experience managing manufacturing operations plus a Sales and Marketing background
• Ability to improve working capital position (Inventory, Receivables and Payables)
• Solid understanding of operating within Low Cost Economy supply countries, specifically China
• Proficient with Regulatory bodies that govern the process control industry: ASME, ISO 9000, API, PED, CSA, CSQL
• Conversant with the processes, equipment and safety issues related to Machining, Assembly & Test environment

Additionally, the candidate must possess the following characteristics:

• Growth-minded and learning oriented
• Track record of producing results, meeting financial targets, and leading product development
• A career demonstrating increased responsibility and acknowledged as a leader in best practice management
• Entrepreneurial and innovative spirit and sense of urgency
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build and develop effective working relationships
• Strong collaboration and partnership skills with experience working across business groups with the ability to listen, solve complex problems, and deal with ambiguity
• Able to articulate a vision and prudent risk taker
• Proven ability to develop and implement new strategies in a competitive business environment
• Ability to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent – both as individuals and teams with a strong coaching ability
• Recognize that Safety and Customer Service are high priority responsibilities

LOCATION: Onsite Mississauga, ON (greater Toronto area)

We are accepting applications for US and Canadian Citizens willing to relocate to Mississauga, Ontario.

SALARY: $275,000.00 - $325,000.00 plus short and long-term incentives

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.