Business Unit Manager

Business Unit Manager (Customer-Facing Program Manager)

Location: Phoenix or Goodyear, AZ (On-Site)
Department: Operations / Program Management
Reports To: Executive Leadership Team
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

GTI Energy, a division of GTI Fabrication, is a rapidly growing leader in industrial modular manufacturing and energy systems. With advanced facilities in Arizona and New York, GTI designs and builds containerized energy solutions, modular power systems, and structural steel enclosures serving defense, energy, and heavy-industrial markets.

As we continue to expand, GTI is investing in new facilities, production capabilities, and customer partnerships to meet the increasing demand for custom, mission-critical manufacturing. We are seeking a dynamic Business Unit Manager to lead customer-facing programs, manage cross-functional project execution, and drive operational excellence within a growing business segment.

The Business Unit Manager will serve as the primary customer-facing program leader responsible for planning, executing, and sustaining major manufacturing and production initiatives. This role combines the leadership of a Senior Program Manager with the accountability of a business owner — overseeing project delivery, cost performance, and customer satisfaction for assigned programs.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in manufacturing operations, program management, and customer engagement, with a proven track record of launching or expanding industrial production lines and facilities.

• Serve as the primary customer liaison for all assigned programs, ensuring scope, quality, and schedule alignment.

• Lead all aspects of program planning, execution, and delivery, from initial customer engagement through production sustainment.

• Translate customer requirements into executable project plans with clear milestones, budgets, and deliverables.

• Conduct regular business reviews with customers and executive leadership, reporting on performance metrics, risks, and mitigation plans.

• Manage customer expectations while maintaining alignment with GTI’s operational capabilities and strategic objectives.

• Drive the successful design, launch, and ramp-up of new manufacturing facilities or production lines within your business unit.

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to define resource plans, capacity models, and equipment strategies.

• Oversee project budgets, timelines, and process validation to ensure readiness for full-scale production.

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards during facility setup and operation.

• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Production to achieve project milestones.

• Develop and manage program KPIs, including delivery performance, margin attainment, and quality metrics.

• Identify and mitigate program risks related to capacity, supplier readiness, and design complexity.

• Champion continuous improvement and Lean initiatives to enhance throughput, reduce lead times, and improve overall program health.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in program or operations management within manufacturing, engineering, or construction environments.

• 5+ years leading cross-functional teams in a customer-facing capacity.

• Proven track record of managing facility launches, production expansions, or complex capital projects.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, production scheduling, and cost management.

• Exceptional ability to interface with customers, vendors, contractors, and internal executives.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and ERP systems.

• Excellent communication, time management, and leadership skills.

• Experience in industrial fabrication, modular manufacturing, or energy systems.

• Background in defense, heavy industrial, or capital equipment manufacturing.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement frameworks.

• PMP or related project management certification.