Vice President / General Manager - Defense Manufacturing

Overview

Curtiss-Wright Corporation seeks a Vice President / General Manager to head Indal Technologies, a business unit within the EMS Division, located in Mississauga, Ontario. This role offers leadership of an $85M-$100M unit specializing in mission-critical naval technology for challenging maritime environments.

Role Summary

This executive position involves full profit & loss responsibility and requires combining strategic vision with operational rigor. The VP/GM will direct strategy, improve operational performance, oversee customer partnerships, and foster team development to drive growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the business including strategy formulation, operations management, financial results, customer satisfaction, and technology advancement.
• Quickly develop comprehensive understanding of products, customers, strategies, and operational drivers.
• Implement stringent operational controls and respond proactively to issues, risks, and trends.
• Drive strategic initiatives targeting revenue increases, profitability, cash flow improvement, operational efficiency, and sustainable business health.
• Pursue business development efforts to expand geographical presence, target new markets, advance product lines, and deepen customer engagement domestically and internationally.
• Direct engineering applications, research and development, product roadmaps, and long-range planning aligned with market and technology trends.
• Ensure key operational metrics like lead times, delivery punctuality, quality, safety, cost management, waste reduction, and regulatory compliance are met.
• Maintain robust relationships with customers, suppliers, sales agents, and internal partners to support branding and market expansion activities.

Candidate Profile

• Proven senior leader with 10-12+ years managing technical manufacturing and commercial businesses in complex environments.
• Experience overseeing multiple products and value streams with a strong focus on financial discipline and working capital optimization.
• Balanced strategic and hands-on approach with the ability to set clear vision, make decisions amidst uncertainty, and directly tackle challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration across engineering, sales, finance, operations, and quality teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset combined with urgency and ability to implement innovative strategies competitively.
• Track record in attracting, developing, and retaining talent while prioritizing safety, customer service, and quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree in Business or Marketing preferred.
• Extensive leadership experience managing manufacturing operations, sales, marketing, product development, and financial outcomes.
• Strong business acumen with expertise in working capital management involving inventory, receivables, and payables.
• Experience handling international supply chains and exposure to multinational operations; acquisition integration experience advantageous.
• Familiarity with machining, assembly, testing processes, equipment, and associated safety practices.
• Knowledge of low-cost country supply operations, especially in China, and recognized regulatory and quality standards (ASME, ISO 9000, API, PED, CSA, CSQL) preferred.

Company and Benefits

Indal Technologies is a key supplier of aircraft and array handling systems for naval and coast guard vessels worldwide. The company prides itself on solving challenging shipboard equipment needs with innovation and reliability.
Benefits include paid time off, 401(k) with employer matching and profit sharing, comprehensive healthcare and wellness programs, continuous learning and development, referral incentives, competitive salary, employee recognition, stock purchase plans, and a culture of inclusion and support.