General Manager – CNC Job Shop
Location: On-Site in Rockford, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Industry: Precision Machining / Manufacturing

About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead operations at a CNC job shop specializing in precision machining. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for operational excellence. The GM will oversee all facets of the business—from production and personnel to financial performance and customer satisfaction—ensuring the shop consistently delivers high-quality parts on time and within spec.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct all CNC shop activities including quoting, scheduling, machining, inspection, and shipping.
• Manage daily production workflows to meet deadlines and maintain tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with engineering and programming teams to optimize machining processes and reduce cycle times.
• Champion lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee machine utilization, preventative maintenance, and tooling across mills, lathes, and multi-axis equipment.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage budgets, cost-control strategies, and profitability targets.
• Monitor job costing, labor efficiency, and material usage to maintain margins.
• Support business development efforts and nurture customer relationships.
• Review RFQs, quotes, and forecasts in coordination with estimating.
• Track and report KPIs including on-time delivery, machine utilization, and gross margin.

Team Management

• Lead and supervise teams across Production, Scheduling, Shipping/Receiving, Programming, Quality, and Maintenance.
• Recruit, train, and retain skilled machinists and support staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and foster a culture of accountability and growth.
• Promote a safety-first, collaborative work environment.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all parts meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Oversee inspection processes and maintain calibration records.
• Enforce ISO 9001:2015 compliance and drive corrective actions.
• Analyze nonconformances and lead process improvement efforts.

Customer & Vendor Relations

• Act as the primary contact for key customers, ensuring satisfaction and clear communication.
• Resolve escalated issues related to lead time, cost, or quality.
• Negotiate with suppliers for competitive pricing and reliability.
• Safeguard proprietary customer data and prints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or Business Administration preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• 10+ years in CNC machining operations, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of CNC programming, setup, and machining (mills, lathes, multi-axis).
• Familiarity with materials including aluminum, stainless steel, tool steels, and plastics.
• Proficiency in G-code, CAD/CAM software, and precision measurement tools.
• Proven success in job-shop environments with frequent changeovers and custom parts.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., JobBOSS, E2).
• Track record of leading lean and process improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities in fast-paced settings.

Performance Metrics

• On-time delivery rate
• Scrap and rework percentage
• Machine utilization and setup efficiency
• Labor and overhead cost control
• Customer satisfaction and repeat business
• Overall profitability

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, direct hire position.
• We do not sponsor employment visas.
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.