General Manager

Summary:

The General Manager for Willis Engine Repair Centre Malaysia is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the aviation engine MRO facility in Malaysia. This role has full profit and loss (P&L) accountability and is responsible for ensuring world-class standards in safety, quality, turnaround time (TAT), customer satisfaction, and financial performance.

The General Manager leads all functions including operations, production planning, engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and business development. The position ensures compliance with all applicable aviation regulations, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and customer-specific requirements.

Responsibilities:

Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with aviation regulatory authorities (e.g., EASA, FAA, CAAM)
• Maintain strict adherence to safety management systems (SMS)
• Lead audit readiness and compliance with OEM, airline, and regulatory requirements
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture across the facility

Operational Leadership

• Direct full-site MRO operations including production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities
• Ensure on-time delivery, quality compliance, and cost efficiency across all shop operations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, digital transformation)
• Optimize turnaround time (TAT) and capacity utilization

Commercial & Customer Management

• Manage customer relationships with airlines, leasing companies, and OEM partners
• Support contract execution, pricing strategy, and service level agreements (SLAs)
• Business development and new customer acquisition
• Ensure customer satisfaction and performance reporting

Financial & Business Performance

• Own site P&L including revenue, margin, and operational cost control
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and capital investment plans
• Drive profitability through efficiency gains and capacity optimization
• Oversee engineering support, repair development, and technical approvals
• Support induction of new engine type platforms

Supply Chain & Planning

• Ensure effective materials management, procurement, and logistics flow
• Align production planning with customer demand and capacity constraints

People Leadership

• Lead a multi-disciplinary workforce including engineering, production, quality, and support teams
• Develop technical skill development programs
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and performance culture

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aviation Maintenance, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred)
• 10–20+ years of experience in aviation engine MRO operations, with senior leadership exposure
• Strong understanding of commercial engine MRO processes
• Proven experience managing P&L responsibility in a technical operations environment
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (EASA/FAA/CAAM)
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and commercial acumen
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing / Operational Excellence methodologies

Core Competencies:

• Operational Excellence & Lean Transformation
• Financial Acumen & P&L Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance
• Cross-functional Team Leadership
• Change Management & Digital Transformation
• Strategic Leadership & Decision Making

Travel / Misc.:

• Travel required on an as needed basis.