Manufacturing Plant Manager

Job Description Summary

The Manufacturing Plant Manager - Fuel Manufacturing Operation (FMO) is the leader of a team responsible for the manufacturing of nuclear fuel for a commercial nuclear fuel manufacturing facility. In close partnership with safety, quality and other technical teams, you will provide strategic focus and leadership for FMO’s team, processes, and equipment. You will be responsible for meeting short and long-term production goals while maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. You will foster a culture of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement as we work to provide more secure and sustainable energy solutions for the world. Successful candidates have deep manufacturing knowledge, have been leaders of leaders, and are passionate about being a key contributor to the energy transition.

The Manufacturing Plant Manager - FMO will have functional oversight over our Ceramics, Bundle Assembly, Dry Conversion Process, and FMO Maintenance & Instrumentation teams.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

Be a leader of managers for a multi-functional team responsible for Wilmington's Fuel Manufacturing Operation (FMO) processes. Provide overall responsibility for safe and compliant completion of nuclear fuel manufacturing activities. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead a strong nuclear safety and EHS compliance culture with emphasis on employee involvement.
• Responsible for meeting or exceeding customer requirements and operational metrics.
• Lead a strong quality culture compliant to the Quality Management System
• Effectively interface with customers, suppliers, partners, regulators and internal support organizations to collectively meet the goals and objectives of the Nuclear Fuel business.
• Drive continuous improvement through a Lean Manufacturing.
• Monitor and improve cost productivity, including inventory and P&E management.
• Ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity exists to achieve all customer commitments.
• Provide leadership for executing New Product Introductions (NPIs)
• Promote a working environment that encourages employee involvement to achieve excellence in compliance, nuclear safety, EHS, customer service, quality and productivity.
• Select, hire, train, develop and provide ongoing leadership and direction of assigned operation (hourly and salaried). Support the development of manufacturing operations leadership and technical talent and depth.
• Champion positive employee relations. Foster employee engagement and ensure that business and operational goals are effectively communicated to employees. Promote team morale, diversity, involvement/ownership, and skills development.
• Ensure ongoing evolution of observation programs and training plans to maximize workforce capability. Visible leader of a robust observation program.
• Serve on the Emergency Response Organization (ERO) and assure performance of emergency protocols for FMO product lines. Qualify as building manager after adequate training period.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (or verified equivalent) plus a minimum of ten (10) years of supervisory or technical experience in a nuclear, manufacturing, operations, military, or other technical field. Of that experience, at least five (5) years of experience must be in a supervisory/managerial position.

OR

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited college/university (or verified equivalent) plus twelve (12) years of supervisory or technical experience in a nuclear, manufacturing, operations, military, or other technical field. Of that experience, at least five (5) years of experience must be in a supervisory/managerial position.

OR

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) plus twenty (20) years of supervisory or technical experience in a nuclear, manufacturing, operations, military, or other technical field. Of that experience, at least seven (7) years of experience must be in a supervisory/managerial position.

Eligibility Requirements

• Ability to walk up and down stairs. Ability to move around and under manufacturing equipment. 
• Ability and willingness to cover off-shifts, as the manager of a 24-hour operation. Must maintain after hours cell phone availability.
• Proficient at using computers and Microsoft Suite.
• GE will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. GE will require proof of status prior to employment.

Desired Characteristics

• Engineering or other technical degree
• Significant Lean and 6 Sigma experience. Experience leading in a Lean culture. Lean trained with demonstrated ability to apply tools and process rigor, including A3 or 5 Why problem solving.
• Knowledge of the disciplines of manufacturing management such as production and inventory control, variable cost productivity, quality systems, cost systems, and fulfillment metrics
• Experience with tube reduction or pilger mill operations.
• Experience with machining and welding manufacturing technology.
• Experience with Zirconium materials.
• Clear, strategic, and critical thinker; proven ability to prioritize, plan and execute important business and supply chain initiatives.
• Experience interfacing with external constituencies, including government regulators, customers and suppliers.
• Inclusive leadership style, proven ability to build a connection with the team through personal involvement and trust. Ability to successfully motivate and maintain high morale, employee involvement, safety and teamwork in a non-union environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate well with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• GE Program graduate, e.g., OMLP, EEDP (GE employees only).

The base pay range for this position is $165-200k. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for bonuses, such as a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation/equity. This position is expected to close on 10/16/2025.

Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401 (k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

General Electric Company, Ropcor, Inc., and in some cases their affiliates, each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information