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General Manager Manufacturing Jobs in California

Quality Manager, Manufacturing

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

About the Company General Matter is enriching uranium in America. Our goal is to design, build, and ... About This Role We're standing up a new manufacturing facility and need a Quality Manager to build ...

About the Company General Matter is enriching uranium in America. Our goal is to design, build, and ... advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors.

New

As the site leader, the General Manager drives operational excellence across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, continuous improvement, environmental health and safety, and customer ...

General Manager

Rialto, CA ยท On-site

$210K/yr

General Manager Pay: $210,000 (DOE) Who We Are Thompson Pipe Group - Los Angeles is a privately ... Directs manufacturing and production operations, as well as support functions including ...

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Showing results 1-20

General Manager Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$64.2K

$108.6K

How much do general manager manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for general manager manufacturing in California is $64,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a general manager in manufacturing do?

A General Manager in Manufacturing oversees all aspects of a manufacturing facility's operations, including production, quality control, budgeting, staffing, and process improvements. They are responsible for ensuring products are made efficiently, safely, and to quality standards while meeting business goals. The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to coordinate different departments, such as production, engineering, and logistics. General Managers also drive initiatives to increase productivity, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general manager in manufacturing?

To thrive as a General Manager in Manufacturing, you need extensive experience in operations management, production planning, and a relevant degree such as engineering or business administration. Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, and industry certifications like Six Sigma are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills to excel in this role. These competencies ensure efficient plant operations, drive continuous improvement, and foster a productive, safety-focused work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a general manager in manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

General Managers in manufacturing often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with quality standards, managing supply chain disruptions, and leading diverse teams with varying skill sets. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to implement process improvements. Staying proactive through regular performance reviews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborating closely with department heads can help ensure operations run smoothly and targets are met.

What is the difference between General Manager Manufacturing vs Plant Manager?

AspectGeneral Manager ManufacturingPlant Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple manufacturing facilities or divisions, strategic planning, and overall company performanceManages daily operations of a single manufacturing plant, ensuring production efficiency
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field; often an MBAUsually requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field; experience in plant operations
Work EnvironmentCorporate office and multiple plant sitesOn-site at the manufacturing plant
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing companies with multiple facilitiesFound in manufacturing plants of various sizes

The main difference between a General Manager Manufacturing and a Plant Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. The General Manager Manufacturing oversees multiple facilities and focuses on strategic and overall company performance, while the Plant Manager manages daily operations within a single plant. Both roles require similar credentials and industry experience, but their focus areas differ significantly.

Is being a general manager manufacturing a stressful job?

Being a general manager in manufacturing can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing production, managing staff, meeting deadlines, and ensuring safety standards. The role often involves long hours, problem-solving, and handling operational challenges, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What are popular job titles related to General Manager Manufacturing jobs in California?

For General Manager Manufacturing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching General Manager Manufacturing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for General Manager Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for General Manager Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in California with the most General Manager Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various General Manager Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,174 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

General Manager Manufacturing

Lindsay Windows

Apple Valley, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Wellness resources
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Dental insurance

Location: Apple Valley, CA | On-Site | Must Reside Within Approximately 40 Minutes of the Facility

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead the overall operations of our manufacturing facility in Apple Valley, California.
This is a key leadership position with responsibility for the people, production, customers, sales, and overall performance of the facility. The successful candidate will be a strong leader who understands manufacturing, knows how to build accountable teams, and can balance day-to-day operational demands with long-term business growth.
This is an on-site position. Candidates must live within approximately 40 minutes of our Apple Valley facility and be able to reliably commute to the facility each workday.
Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee all aspects of the local operation, from quote and order through manufacturing, shipping, invoicing, and collection.
  • Ensure daily operations run safely, efficiently, and profitably while meeting customer commitments — ship on time and complete!
  • Develop and execute strategies to improve productivity, quality, service, profitability, and overall operational performance.
  • Establish clear expectations and accountability throughout the organization.
  • Lead production planning, scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and meet customer demand.
  • Monitor operational and financial performance, analyze key metrics, and take action to address opportunities and challenges.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce costs, eliminate waste, improve processes, and increase output without compromising quality or customer service.
  • Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
  • Recruit, develop, coach, and retain a strong team of employees and leaders.
  • Build a positive, accountable, and collaborative workplace culture.
  • Oversee local sales efforts and customer relationships, including identifying opportunities for new business and strengthening existing partnerships.
  • Communicate effectively with employees, customers, vendors, and corporate/central staff.
  • Work closely with corporate leadership to align the facility with company goals, initiatives, and standards.
  • Represent the company professionally within the local business and community environment.
  • Serve as a visible and engaged leader who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved when needed.
  • Take ownership of the facility's overall results and continuously look for ways to make the operation better.
What We're Looking For

  • 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, or a related environment.
  • Demonstrated success leading a manufacturing facility, production operation, or multi-functional team.
  • Experience in the building products or residential construction industry is strongly preferred, particularly in areas such as windows and doors, siding, roofing, lumber, building materials, or related products serving contractors, dealers, and homebuilders.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to understand both operational and financial performance.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Proven ability to develop people, build high-performing teams, and hold others accountable.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with production planning, scheduling, staffing, process improvement, and performance metrics.
  • Customer-focused mindset with the ability to develop and maintain strong business relationships.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  • Must be willing and able to work on-site in Apple Valley, CA.
  • Must reside within approximately 40 minutes of the facility.
The Ideal Candidate

The ideal General Manager is more than a production leader. They are a business leader who understands that successful manufacturing depends on people, processes, customers, and financial performance working together.
You are someone who can walk the plant floor, talk with employees, review a production report, work through a customer issue, identify an operational opportunity, and make decisions that move the business forward.
If you are an energetic, accountable leader who enjoys building teams, improving operations, solving problems, and being part of the community, we'd like to hear from you.