General Manager of Kassel Operations (Hybrid)

The General Manager of Kassel Operations at Axon is responsible for shaping the success of RF and tracking technology manufacturing. Key responsibilities include leading and developing a high-performance culture, overseeing operational excellence, driving employee engagement and training, and ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense regulations. You'll manage end-to-end manufacturing operations, implement lean principles, and collaborate closely with R&D and engineering teams to foster innovation in RF processes.

To be considered for the General Manager of Kassel Operations role at Axon, candidates typically need at least 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, a proven track record in scaling advanced manufacturing operations, and a strong understanding of RF system manufacturing. Familiarity with regulated industries and knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 concepts are essential. Leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to drive innovation are also crucial.

The General Manager plays a key role in shaping workplace culture at Axon in Kassel by cultivating a high-performance environment that emphasizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. This involves fostering employee engagement, driving training initiatives, and ensuring that all team members are aligned on shared goals while promoting collaboration across all manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams.

As the General Manager of Kassel Operations at Axon, you'll have ample growth and development opportunities. The role involves leading capacity expansion initiatives and capital investments, allowing you to shape the future of the manufacturing site. Additionally, your position provides a platform for influencing strategic global operations while collaborating with executive teams and contributing to innovative RF technologies.

The strategic goals for the General Manager of the Kassel site at Axon include positioning the location as a flagship manufacturing hub, driving operational scalability to meet increasing demand, and enhancing the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced materials. This role also entails ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and building key partnerships within the supply chain to support overall strategic growth.

When defining your leadership style as General Manager at Axon, focus on collaborative and people-centric approaches. Highlight the importance of building a high-performance culture, where innovation and accountability are core values. Share examples of how you foster engagement and accountability among teams to drive operational success.

When discussing your experience with lean manufacturing principles, provide specific examples of how you have successfully enhanced operational efficiency and reduced waste in previous roles. Emphasize your ability to lead teams in a high-tech manufacturing environment to implement these practices for improved cycle times and overall productivity.

To ensure compliance with aerospace and defense regulations, explain your familiarity with regulations such as ITAR, AS9100, and ISO 9001. Discuss how you implement rigorous quality assurance protocols and the importance of fostering a zero-defect culture. Demonstrating strong systems for training employees on compliance standards will strengthen your response.

For this question, provide a concrete example showcasing how you’ve fostered technological advancements in a previous role. Discuss initiatives you led that involved the integration of new materials or automation technologies, and how this innovation positively impacted product quality and operational efficiency.

When building a high-performance team at the Kassel site, emphasize the importance of clear communication, ongoing training, and employee engagement. Discuss how you would develop structured development programs, encourage feedback, and establish a culture of safety and collaboration to empower your teams.

Addressing long lead times and component shortages requires strategic supplier partnerships and an optimized inventory management approach. Discuss your experience in developing relationships with key suppliers and creating solutions to mitigate risks, ensuring resilience and cost-effectiveness in the supply chain.

To drive quality control in RF manufacturing, highlight your experience in implementing advanced testing protocols and quality management systems. Discuss your focus on data-driven decision-making and the significance of continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to quality standards throughout production cycles.

Prioritizing tasks as a General Manager involves setting clear strategic objectives and aligning team's efforts to achieve these goals. Describe the tools and methods you use to ensure that critical projects are delivered on time and align with the overall corporate vision, while remaining adaptable to changing business needs.

Your approach to employee training and development should emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Discuss how you intend to create training programs that foster expertise and align with the rapid advancements in RF and manufacturing technology, ensuring that employees are equipped for future challenges.

When approaching strategic growth for the Kassel site, emphasize the need for a comprehensive assessment of current capabilities and future demands. Outline your plans for capacity expansion, facility upgrades, and the strategies you would employ to position the site as a leader in global operations while meeting key market demands.