General Manager

Element is a leading global company specializing in testing, inspection, and certification services. With a workforce of over 9,000 professionals across more than 270 locations in 30 countries, Element is dedicated to making products, materials, processes, and services safer, compliant, and fit for purpose. The organization supports customers from the early stages of research and development, through complex regulatory approvals, to production. Their extensive network of scientists, engineers, and technologists ensures the highest standards of quality assurance, sustainability, and market access. Despite its vast global presence, Element fosters a close-knit culture where employees are empowered to take charge of their career growth and development, rewarding excellence and integrity. The company prides itself on attention to detail, precision in its work, and its role in creating a safer world for industries and consumers alike. Element values diversity and inclusion, ensuring all employees and applicants are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of background or personal characteristics. They uphold the principles of equal employment opportunity and provide accommodations to support applicants during the hiring process. Element's vision is to become the world’s most trusted testing partner, combining global reach with a personal touch that makes every employee feel part of a focused, mission-driven team.

The role of General Manager (Front End Operations) at Element's Huntington Beach laboratory is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing all customer-facing and pre-testing operations. This managerial role requires hands-on execution, operational discipline, and a strong focus on team performance. Reporting directly to the Director, the General Manager leads departments including Receiving, Order Entry, Production Planning, Machining, Customer Service, and Invoicing. They are tasked with driving workflow efficiency, ensuring that work is accurately prepared and smoothly transitioned to testing operations. The role demands a results-oriented approach to eliminate bottlenecks, improve throughput and turnaround time, and enhance data accuracy. In addition to operations management, the General Manager is responsible for achieving financial targets through precise billing, forecasting, and minimizing revenue leakage and rework. This leadership position also plays a key role in workforce planning, staffing, scheduling, and daily execution within the front-end teams, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and operational discipline. The General Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Quality, EHS, Finance, HR, Sales, and Technical teams to ensure integrated success and full compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. With a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $190,000 annually, along with a management bonus plan, this opportunity suits an experienced operations leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing, laboratory, or aerospace environment, and who is passionate about customer service and operational excellence.