BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Business Unit Manager owns the P&L of a defined production scope inside a larger manufacturing facility. That ownership is total: safety compliance under frameworks such as IATF 16949 or AS9100, lean transformation through Kaizen and 5S, workforce development, and financial forecasting all sit on the same desk. Most industrial sites organize around multiple business units precisely so each one can be held to distinct SQDC metrics - Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost - without diffusing accountability across the broader plant. What makes the role demanding is the daily requirement to move between granular floor-level decisions and the quarterly performance narrative presented to divisional leadership.

As the Business Unit Manager, you translate site-level strategy into measurable production outcomes by owning P&L, headcount planning, and continuous improvement commitments for your assigned unit. You work within the plant leadership structure alongside Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality functions, with direct accountability typically to a Director of Manufacturing or VP of Operations.

Career Impact: Owning a discrete P&L within an industrial manufacturing setting, with accountability for SQDC KPIs and lean program results, builds the operational track record required for Plant Manager or General Manager consideration.

Business Impact: Manufacturers operating under IATF 16949 or AS9100 depend on BUM-level ownership to maintain certification compliance and sustain on-time delivery commitments to OEM customers.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to capital investment planning, make-vs.-buy analysis, and cross-site best-practice exchange positions you to step into multi-site or divisional operations leadership within a three-to-five year horizon.

• Own SQDC KPIs for the business unit, establishing weekly targets and corrective actions for each metric.
• Lead continuous improvement cycles using lean tools - Kaizen, 5S, TPM, and standard work - to reduce cost and improve throughput.
• Prepare and manage the annual operating budget, including capital spend requests, overtime controls, and headcount forecasting.
• Drive compliance with applicable quality system standards and safety regulations across all production areas within the unit.
• Develop and implement the manufacturing supply plan to meet monthly demand across all assigned product families.
• Partner with Engineering and Supply Chain on new product introductions, capacity analysis, and equipment validation activities.
• Coach, mentor, and performance-manage direct reports including Manufacturing Supervisors and Process Engineering leads.
• Report business unit performance to plant leadership monthly, covering financial variance, production status, and forward outlook.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• 7 or more years of experience in a manufacturing operations environment, with at least 3 years in a direct people-management role.
• Demonstrated track record of implementing lean manufacturing principles, including Kaizen, 5S, and standard work, with measurable results.
• Proven ability to manage a departmental P&L, including budget preparation, cost variance analysis, and capital expenditure planning.
• Experience operating within a certified quality management system such as IATF 16949, AS9100, or ISO 9001.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions across production processes.
• Effective communication skills across all organizational levels, from shop floor employees to divisional leadership.

• Formal lean or continuous improvement certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt) applied in a high-volume manufacturing context.
• Experience working within or managing a unionized production workforce, including grievance handling and labor relations.
• Familiarity with ERP systems in a manufacturing planning context, particularly SAP, used for capacity and supply chain management.
• Exposure to make-vs.-buy assessments, manufacturing transfer projects, or multi-site operational consolidation initiatives.

• SQDC scorecard performance - composite of Safety incident rate, Quality reject rate, Delivery attainment %, and Cost variance to budget.
• On-time delivery rate to OEM or customer schedule, measured weekly against the manufacturing supply plan.
• Budget adherence - actual vs. planned unit cost and overtime spend, reported monthly.
• Lean maturity score or CI savings value, tracking the output of active Kaizen and standard work improvement cycles.
• Direct labor efficiency ratio - standard hours produced versus actual hours paid within the business unit.
• Employee turnover rate within the business unit, measured quarterly against site benchmark.
• Typical tools: ERP/MES systems (commonly SAP or equivalent); productivity suite (commonly Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint).

• Base Salary Range: $110,000 to $145,000 annually, depending on industry segment and facility size
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 10% to 20% of base, tied to SQDC and P&L outcomes
• Equity: Uncommon at this level; occasionally offered at larger publicly traded manufacturers
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution typically 70% to 85%
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus company-observed holidays
• Common Perks: Tuition reimbursement, 401(k) with employer match, safety performance incentives

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background screening, including criminal history review and, where applicable, drug testing, is a condition of employment for all positions. Work authorization in the United States is required; sponsorship availability varies by employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process.

The Business Unit Manager owns the end-to-end growth of the food testing business unit in the western region, expanding the portfolio of food-related tests in line with local regulations and international standards. Reporting to senior leadership, this role shapes financial performance across the full P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow while building and retaining a high-performing team to advance market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a vision and strategy to expand the food testing business unit and maintain leadership in the western region.
• Translate strategy into action plans with clear responsibilities and drive implementation fast and effectively.
• Expand the portfolio of food-related tests in line with local regulations and international standards.
• Establish and maintain superior relationships with regulatory bodies, target customers, and cross-functional partners to grow business and ensure compliance.
• Build, hire, develop, and retain a high-performing team, raising the performance bar with every hire.
• Monitor financial performance at a granular level, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow, and relentlessly identify ways to improve profitability.
• Plan and prepare annual operating budgets and financial forecasts, and implement cost reduction and efficiency improvement programs.
• Lead change management, drive innovation, and identify new business opportunities based on market trends, including inorganic growth.
• Collaborate with other laboratory business unit teams to leverage existing customers and share best practices.
• Manage business administration in compliance with all applicable legal and governmental requirements.
• Promote a culture that supports change, innovation, and continuous operational improvement.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in food chemistry, analytical science, food technology, or a related science, with a post-graduate management degree preferred.
• Certification services business, or a successful track record of managing a laboratory in the food testing domain with full P&L responsibility.
• Minimum of 17 years of experience leading a B2B sales team in testing and inspection.
• Proven track record of starting up or growing profitable businesses to significant scale and recruiting strong teams.
• Good knowledge of the food testing market, including residues and contaminants testing.
• Strong financial skills, including P&L management and cash-flow oversight.
• Good networking capabilities.
• Strong energy level, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial mindset with high integrity and accountability.

Embedded within a cross-functional Business Unit Team spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales, the Business Unit Manager delivers full profit and loss accountability and pipeline development for the order book at AvtechTyee. Working closely with the VP of Sales, TransDigm executive leadership, and key account contacts, this role builds new product proposals and rolling forecasts that directly sustain annual bookings performance.

Core Functions

• Drive new business development using the established new product process and maintain a pipeline of new products and projects.
• Prepare written proposals and a rolling forecast of new business quotas in support of the annual bookings plan.
• Prepare and present yearly and three-year income and bookings plans in conjunction with the VP of Sales, and deliver monthly performance reports.
• Coordinate with the business unit team and field sales on new business project priorities, rollout schedules, and follow-up on open quotations.
• Formulate long-range sales and margin analysis and marketing strategy, and support contract administrators in evaluating inquiries and pricing strategy.
• Review terms and conditions on all new proposals and long-term agreements to ensure conformity with company policy.
• Advise the VP of Sales on business unit status, short- and long-term customer initiatives, and assist field sales with presentations and closing negotiations.
• Forecast usage on selected items to support manufacturing planning, and maintain a contact list of key customer decision-makers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Five years of sales or engineering experience.
• Broad knowledge of the aerospace industry.
• Advanced knowledge of business principles and practices.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry regulations, operating norms, and requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to determine a course of action to drive value.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Reporting to the GM, the Business Unit Manager leads a geographically assigned organization of Regional Sales Managers, Sales Representatives, and Clinical Service and Implementation roles to grow Joint Replacement market share and execute full P&L strategy. Partnering with the joint replacement leadership team and cross-franchise business unit managers, this role advances differentiated commercial offerings that deliver measurable revenue growth and talent pipeline development.

Primary Duties

• Contribute to and execute the annual marketing plan, with dotted-line management of the area product manager.
• Manage both people managers and individual contributors.
• Meet or exceed annual sales revenue and operating income targets as defined in the division budget.
• Run a profitable business by implementing an appropriate pricing policy, meeting margin expectations, and demonstrating financial discipline and appropriate use of divisional assets.
• Work closely with the GM and the joint replacement leadership team to set and execute the franchise strategy with emphasis on providing differentiation and growing market share.
• Proactively deliver high levels of team engagement and act as a developer of people, creating a future pipeline of talent.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts each month to the GM.
• Manage key customer relationships, both existing and new, aimed at retaining and growing business in the market.
• Understand the value drivers of the business and identify profitable commercial opportunities to grow revenue and market share.
• Collaborate with business unit managers and regional sales managers in other franchises to provide innovative customer offerings.
• Work with all enabling functions to ensure adherence to all internal policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• 10 years or more of overall commercial experience as a business unit leader, regional sales manager, or equivalent in the medical device industry.
• Direct selling experience in the medical device industry with knowledge of opinion leaders, key products, and competitors.
• Proven experience in delivering market share growth and financial commitments.
• Experience building and executing a marketing budget and plan, and demonstrated success in building, managing, and developing strong sales teams, including acumen in territory coverage and customer focus.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage performance management systems, including goal setting, coaching, feedback, and performance review, to reach business objectives.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including a demonstrated record of overachieving organizational goals.
• Strong leadership and change management skills with proven strategic aptitude and ability.
• Expert negotiating and influencing skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level, both internally and externally.
• Passionate about achieving high levels of excellence and highly motivated with a strong commitment to personal development.

Sitting at the intersection of operational leadership and continuous improvement, the Business Unit Manager shapes a results-driven manufacturing environment focused on safety, quality, and lean transformation across assembly, distribution, and facility functions. Operating across talent development, financial forecasting, and ERP-supported production planning, this role enables profitable growth by integrating quoting through distribution into a single high-quality throughput system.

Duties

• Identify and leverage best practices across the business and implement key strategies and programs for profitable growth.
• Manage the operation of the business unit.
• Manage facilities with a results-driven framework focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive business excellence transformation efforts through collaboration with relevant resources.
• Plan, lead, and direct operations at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with established metrics and goals.
• Integrate quoting, order entry, planning, scheduling, assembly and manufacturing, and distribution functions to ensure high-quality throughput.
• Recognize and reward employees and provide leadership development through talent selection, performance management, training, and coaching.
• Direct staffing levels, forecast facility requirements, and report and analyze facility performance.
• Promote business values across the organization.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of ten years of manufacturing experience, including at least five years effectively leading and managing people.
• Knowledge and experience working in a quality system environment, such as IATF 16949 or AS9100, with extensive knowledge of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing.
• Ability to understand spring terminology to effectively manage warehouse operations.
• Strong PC aptitude in a Windows environment, specifically Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn other software packages and stay current with technology advancements.
• Sufficient knowledge of ERP systems to effectively manage the business.
• Demonstrated leadership effectiveness with emotional intelligence.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to organize and accurately report information at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to view problems from a total business perspective and seek data from multiple sources to make informed decisions.
• Self-directed and detail-oriented, with the ability to balance consistency and flexibility as an effective change leader.

A key member of the plant leadership team, the Business Unit Manager guides production groups to deliver quality products with minimum variability while holding primary budgeting responsibility for a critical operational area. Collaborating across engineering, safety, and supply chain functions, this role enables sustained performance in a paper manufacturing environment by building employee capability through people systems and Lean Six Sigma disciplines.

Functions

• Lead department safety efforts by creating a safe work environment in which employees can perform job tasks at minimum risk.
• Utilize safety work order systems and accountability processes to drive improved safety performance.
• Maintain environmental compliance efforts and strive for consistent, improved performance on all operating parameters.
• Manage the operational efforts of production groups to provide quality products with minimum variability in specifications and supply.
• Manage the cost of manufacturing by improving equipment reliability through resource commitment and structuring capital spending to manage preservation and return projects.
• Manage overtime costs, develop committed supply partners and cost structures, and improve the manufacturing process for optimal performance.
• Continuously build and strengthen employee leadership, education, empowerment, and dedication through people and training systems to meet organizational objectives.
• Maintain primary budgeting responsibility for a key area of the business.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper, or Mechanical Engineering, with other technical degrees considered when combined with relevant experience.
• 8 or more years of experience in an area manager, paper mill superintendent, or similar role, with preference given to candidates with experience in paper machine operations.
• Knowledge of production processes, Lean Sigma, Kaizen, budgeting, quality systems, and lean manufacturing work systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to assess risk and determine the path forward to minimize business impact.
• Basic knowledge of SAP, PI, or other business operating systems.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Access.
• Ability to manage departmental performance requirements and balance multiple competing priorities to achieve positive results in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and employee relations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to convey a compelling vision and contribute effectively in team environments.
• Willingness and ability to document all aspects of daily operations.

Sustained performance across EMEA Commodities depends on the Business Unit Manager, who facilitates strategic initiatives, oversees the operational risk framework, and maintains a robust control environment across a subset of trading desks. Based within the Business Unit Management team, this role serves as the connective layer between front-line business activity and support functions, including Legal, Risk, Finance, Operations, Technology, and Compliance, to resolve day-to-day queries and drive closure on risk and control gaps.

Accountabilities

• Identify risk and control gaps and drive closure.
• Help the business organize around delivering strategic goals and new business initiatives.
• Stay abreast of external market developments and assess the impact on business operations.
• Oversee costs and savings initiatives.
• Oversee production, sales, and trading issues, stepping in when resolution is at risk.
• Support the business in managing headcount and team operations, overseeing audits and ensuring progress.
• Interact with almost all functional areas that deal with sales and trading desks, including other desks within the firm.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 10 or more years of banking or relevant experience.
• Previous experience in managing complex projects and processes.
• Experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of the financial services industry and technology, with commodities experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis and organize findings independently while managing multiple priorities.

As the Business Unit Manager, this role oversees the joint reconstruction and sports medicine business units across an assigned territory, managing a sales team to execute marketing and sales strategies that maximize revenue and profit for both franchises. The Sales and Marketing organization relies on this work to sustain new product launch timelines, pricing discipline, and contract renewal outcomes with government and private enterprise customers.

Operational Focus

• Manage a team of sales representatives in the assigned territory.
• Manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations, and coach and motivate the sales team to achieve business goals.
• Set the strategic direction for the joint reconstruction and sports medicine business units.
• Manage and execute marketing and sales strategies for both franchises, implementing marketing objectives, policies, and programs to achieve maximum sales and profit.
• Optimize the product portfolio for both franchises to ensure new product introductions are launched in a timely manner.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets, and manage discount and pricing policy.
• Communicate and track short- and long-range sales and marketing plans, and research new markets and applications for volume growth.
• Lead contract renewal negotiations with government and private enterprises.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• University or bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably in Business, Biomedical Engineering, or Life Sciences.
• MBA is an advantage.
• 8 to 10 years of experience in medical device sales and/or sales management.
• Technical knowledge in medical devices or related products.
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong, demonstrated leadership qualities driven by a passion to excel in a customer-centric and innovative environment.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, with strong problem-solving and issue diagnostics skills.

Business Unit Manager oversees safety, production, quality, and manufacturing engineering for the Electric Vehicle business unit at Modine's Lawrenceburg, TN facility, serving Bus, Truck, and Specialty Vehicle customers. The work directly supports a culture of continuous improvement through lean leadership principles including Kaizen, 5S, TPM, and Kata, ensuring IATF 16949 compliance and long-range resource planning for ATS business unit growth.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Act as a business unit leader for safety and culture development.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement using lean leadership principles and tools, including Kaizen, 5S, TPM, and Kata.
• Adhere to labor strategy, manpower planning, and efficiency control.
• Oversee standard training processes and standard work.
• Plan and control materials and production for the business unit, including level loading.
• Manage customer satisfaction.
• Oversee quality for the business unit and ensure compliance with IATF 16949.
• Forecast and plan future business development, including resource and personnel planning.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• At least 7 years of experience in a manufacturing management environment.
• At least 5 years in a direct management position with multiple direct reports.
• Experience in applying lean manufacturing concepts.
• Demonstrated history of continuous improvement responsibility with measurable results.
• Desire and ability to be a self-directed manager working within a reporting and organizational structure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, with SAP experience considered an asset.

The Business Unit Manager oversees capacity planning, multi-profit-center budgeting, and new product introduction within a complex engineering and industrial environment, enabling continuous improvement outcomes in quality, cost, delivery, safety, and people. Collaborating across cross-functional departments and a unionized workforce, this role reports to senior operations leadership and sustains business goals through lean manufacturing disciplines and structured change management.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of inclusiveness, trust, flexibility, and teamwork.
• Prepare the manufacturing supply plan to meet monthly demand requirements across all product families.
• Manage all aspects of capacity planning, manufacturing, and product delivery.
• Manage budgeting for multiple profit centers.
• Identify areas of operations improvement in quality, cost, delivery, supply, safety, and people.
• Promote and apply lean manufacturing concepts and tools to drive continuous improvement.
• Interface with engineering and new product introduction teams to coordinate the introduction of new products and ramps, including change management and equipment validation.
• Support change management initiatives in a complex organization, maintaining focus while managing competing priorities.
• Establish and maintain high standards for environmental health and safety practices and promote quality and customer service as an integral part of operations.

Background & Experience

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or similar) or Production Management, with a postgraduate qualification in Business or Project Management considered an advantage.
• Supervisory or management course focused on people management.
• 3 to 5 years of experience at a middle management level within an engineering or industrial environment.
• Track record of executing plans and delivering business goals.
• Previous experience working within or managing a unionized workforce.
• Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing and lean principles.
• Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with experience using ERP systems, including SAP.
• Ability to work well under pressure, deliver on commitments, and execute set priorities within stipulated timeframes.
• Ability to resolve conflict situations methodically and identify root causes to implement effective solutions.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with cross-functional departments, with the ability to work effectively and analytically without close management.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative ideas to improve business performance.

Embedded within the front-of-house team, the Business Unit Manager develops consistent dining room operations by running table clearing, food running, and server support functions in line with resort food handling and customer service standards. Working closely with culinary staff and front-of-house management, this role ensures smooth, compliant service by maintaining safety protocols, sanitation guidelines, and floor readiness across all shifts.

Key Deliverables

• Ensure all guest areas are clear of obstacles and provide quick assistance for any accidents, spills, or mishaps.
• Anticipate guest needs and provide information about resort facilities and amenities when requested.
• Follow all food handling, sanitation, and health department guidelines, and complete opening and closing sidework with all tables set to established standards.
• Remain up to date on events within the hotel and resort, and know all dining room floor plans and the seat number system.
• Adhere to all rules, regulations, and hotel policies, including payroll, uniform, and grooming procedures.
• Maintain open communication with culinary staff and front-of-house management.
• Respond properly in any emergency or safety situation and notify management of unsafe conditions, needed maintenance, and any accidents.
• Recognize and address problems resulting from guest complaints, intoxication, or disruptive behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current food handler certification or willingness and ability to obtain one before the first day of employment.
• Previous experience working in food service, preferably as a server's assistant.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work with management and other staff professionally.
• Ability to work a variety of schedules, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.