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General Manager for North American division (photonics, precision optics)

Client is a global leader in precision optics and photonics, delivering innovative solutions to industries such as medical technology, life sciences, industrial automation, and aerospace. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to innovation, Client’s facility in North America plays a critical role in expanding the company’s footprint and capabilities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Location: North East, North of Boston, MA
Position Title: General Manager Department: Executive Leadership
Reports To: Group CEO, Date: April 7, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager is responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational performance, and financial success of the North American division. This executive will lead with a strong focus on quality-driven leadership, ensuring that all aspects of the organization— from customer engagement to manufacturing—meet the highest standards of precision, reliability, and compliance with Client’s global vision and values. The ideal candidate is a transformational leader with deep industry expertise, strong business acumen, and a passion for innovation and customer success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations under applicable law may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform these essential functions.

  • Global Collaboration: Serve as a key liaison between Client’s Facility in North America and global
  • Headquarters in Europe, contributing to global strategy and innovation initiatives.
  • Engineering and Development: Maintain and expand a robust engineering and development team within Client’s organization, promoting collaboration across Client’s global locations.
  • Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the long-term vision and strategy for Clients Facility in North America in alignment with Group CEO.
  • P&L Ownership: Oversee all aspects of financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability.
  • Operational Excellence: Ensure efficient and scalable operations across manufacturing, engineering, sales, and support functions.
  • Market Growth: Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, partnerships, and customer segments.
  • Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing leadership team and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
  • Customer Focus: Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring exceptional service and long-term client relationships
  • Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
  • Quality Culture: Champion a culture of quality across all departments, ensuring compliance with ISO standards (with focus on ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR part 820) and customer expectations.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s or MBA strongly preferred).

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in optics, photonics, or advanced manufacturing industries.
  • Proven track record of leading a business unit or division with full P&L responsibility.
  • Strong understanding of precision optics, photonics technologies, and their applications.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
  • Experience in international business and cross-cultural collaboration.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

This position is a full full-time, Exempt as defined under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA/Master’s preferred)
  • 10+ years leadership experience in optics, photonics, or advanced manufacturing
  • Experience in medical device development and manufacturing preferred
  • Proven experience managing a business unit with full P&L ownership
  • Strong knowledge of precision optics and photonics technologies
  • Demonstrated international business and cross-cultural collaboration experience
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills
  • Willingness to travel globally as needed

This is on-site, not a remote/hybrid position. Candidate must be willing and able to commute or relocate. Location is north of Boston, MA. Details can’t be disclosed at this time due to discretion agreements and can be revealed once a serious candidate has signed an according NDA.

Any applications should come through my email at this time, see contact info below. I’m acting as the initial point of contact in this case, and plan to select and facilitate the first connection. Applications will not be scanned by automated systems.

Udo Plocher
UPC Evolutions
udo.plocher@outlook.com
+1 774 230 5001