Job Summary

Butler National Corporation is seeking a highly capable General Manager to lead its Tempe, Arizona operations, a facility supporting critical defense and aerospace programs.

The General Manager will serve as the onsite operational leader responsible for all aspects of facility performance, including production, quality, engineering, safety, workforce development, and operational execution. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong operational discipline and demonstrated experience managing complex manufacturing environments.

This position is responsible for ensuring the Tempe facility operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with corporate objectives while fostering a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for the Tempe manufacturing facility, ensuring operational excellence across all functions.
• Direct and coordinate activities across production, engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and support functions.
• Establish clear operational goals and performance metrics aligned with corporate objectives.
• Ensure efficient production scheduling, workflow management, and resource allocation.
• Identify and implement improvements in manufacturing processes, equipment utilization, and production efficiency.

Organizational Leadership and Culture

• Establish strong leadership presence and accountability within the facility.
• Build and develop a capable leadership team including supervisors and functional leaders.
• Foster a professional workplace culture grounded in fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.
• Address workplace conflicts and cultural issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide coaching, training, and leadership development for managers and supervisors.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure the facility operates in full compliance with all applicable safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
• Implement and maintain strong safety practices and employee safety training programs.
• Establish clear accountability for safety procedures and workplace standards.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Operational Systems and Process Improvement

• Implement structured operational processes and documentation standards.
• Improve manufacturing workflows, process documentation, and operational controls.
• Lead initiatives to modernize production processes and systems where appropriate.
• Support the implementation of digital systems to improve operational visibility and efficiency.
• Establish formal procedures for production documentation, work instructions, and quality processes.

Workforce Development and Talent Management

• Establish clear organizational structure and defined roles across the facility.
• Implement formal performance management processes including performance reviews and goal setting.
• Develop cross-training programs to reduce operational risk and eliminate single-point knowledge dependencies.
• Ensure employees have appropriate training, tools, and resources to perform their roles effectively.

Communication and Corporate Alignment

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Tempe facility and Butler National corporate leadership.
• Communicate corporate strategy, operational priorities, and performance expectations clearly to facility employees.
• Provide regular operational updates to corporate leadership regarding performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Promote transparency and open communication across all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 10 to 15 or more years of leadership experience in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or related industries.
• Prior experience as a General Manager, Plant Manager, or Business Unit Leader with responsibility for overall operational performance.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams including production, engineering, quality, and supply chain.
• Proven ability to lead operational improvements and organizational development initiatives.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace or defense industry manufacturing environments.
• Electronics assembly or high-reliability manufacturing.
• Experience operating within regulated or compliance-driven industries.
• Experience implementing operational systems, process documentation, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• MBA or advanced management training is a plus.
• Equivalent leadership experience in relevant industries will also be considered.

Leadership Characteristics

• Strong leadership presence and credibility with both technical and production teams.
• High emotional intelligence and conflict resolution capability.
• Ability to lead organizational change and operational improvement.
• Clear and transparent communication style.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational discipline.

About Butler National Corporation

Butler National Corporation is a diversified aerospace and defense company providing specialized products and services supporting defense, aviation, and government programs. Butler National Corporation specializes in manufacturing gun control equipment, gun simulators and related custom test equipment, rapid integration of weapon-control systems, and ruggedized weapon/instrument cabling solutions.