Optical Systems, US General Manager

Full-time

Description

G&H Optical Systems, US, is seeking a General Manager to lead our US operations and business as we look to rapidly grow revenues over the next 1-3 years. G&H Optical Systems US consists of three locations; Moorpark California, Keene, NH and Trinity, Florida. The combined offering covers super polished and IBS coated optics, bespoke, customized IR lens and zoom lens assemblies, periscope and sighting system design and volume manufacture, state of the art lithographic reticles and optical fabrication and coating.

The region boasts several blue-chip Prime and Tier-1 OEMs amongst its customer base, a burgeoning order book and pipeline and has a strategy in place for more than 2x growth in the period.

The successful candidate will be accountable for the P&L of the three US sites and the delivery of the plan which enables the identified growth. They will work closely with the established sales, BD, engineering and operations team and will be a key member of the Global, Divisional SLT.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the operations of the three US Optical Systems sites.

Full P&L ownership – accountable for revenue and profit before tax (PBT) targets, with a clear mandate for 2–3x growth over 3 years.

Oversee end-to-end manufacturing operations including thin-film coated optics, IR lens assemblies, vehicle periscopes, and lithography.

Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Partner closely with US-based design engineering teams to transition new concepts into scalable production.

Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements, including those for DoD and other defense-related contracts.

Build and develop high-performing teams and nurture leadership within the organization.

Maintain close customer relationships and represent the business to key clients, particularly within Aerospace and Defense sectors.

Requirements

Location: Must reside in the Tampa area and be present on-site daily in Trinity, FL.

Experience: Proven track record in senior operational or general management roles in a manufacturing environment, ideally within optical systems, defence, or aerospace sectors.

P&L Management: Strong financial acumen with hands-on experience in delivering sustained business growth.

Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of optical manufacturing processes and systems, including coatings, lens assembly, and periscopic technologies.

Leadership: Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to inspire, lead through change, and cultivate a growth-focused culture.

Defence Sector: Familiarity with U.S. DoD contracts and requirements is highly desirable.

Communication: Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Note: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

In the instance that the position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations ("U.S. Export Control Laws"), including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within G&H that may present access to export-controlled technical data, G&H must assess whether candidates are "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120.15). Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this position.