Reporting to the Director of Operations, the General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of a sterilization facility. The General Manager serves as the senior site leader and is accountable for safety, quality, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and financial performance.
This role leads a cross-functional team across Operations, Customer Service, Logistics, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Safety, and Training to ensure the facility consistently delivers exceptional service to customers while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Key ResponsibilitiesSite Leadership & Culture- Provide visible, hands-on leadership that fosters a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Build, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
- Promote a positive employee experience that supports retention, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.
- Establish clear performance expectations and ensure alignment with company values and business objectives.
Operational Excellence- Lead all facility operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant processing of customer products.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, capacity utilization, customer service, cost management, and operational efficiency.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to achieve operational and financial objectives.
- Ensure effective coordination and communication across all site functions to optimize workflow and customer outcomes.
- Identify and implement process improvements, technology enhancements, and best practices that improve site performance.
Customer & Business Partnership- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, serving as the senior site representative when required.
- Partner with Commercial and Customer Service teams to support business growth, customer retention, and service excellence.
- Resolve escalated customer concerns while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
- Support strategic initiatives that enhance the company's competitive position and operational capabilities.
Financial Management- Maintain full accountability for facility financial performance, including operating expenses, labor management, productivity, capital expenditures, and budget adherence.
- Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets in alignment with corporate objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability through operational efficiencies, cost control, and resource optimization.
Compliance, Quality & Safety- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, customer, and company requirements, including FDA, OSHA, NRC, and other governing agencies.
- Champion a culture where safety and quality are foundational to all business activities.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and environmentally responsible workplace.
- Lead site preparedness and response activities related to audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
Strategic Planning- Partner with Operations leadership and corporate functional teams to execute business strategies and achieve organizational objectives.
- Utilize operational and financial data to identify trends, solve problems, and make informed business decisions.
- Lead site planning efforts related to staffing, capacity, capital investments, and long-term growth initiatives.
- Collaborate with executive leadership and functional partners to optimize resources and drive business results.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree required; degrees in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Life Sciences, or a related field preferred. Professional experience also considered.
- MBA or advanced degree desired but not required.
Experience- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, healthcare services, medical products, or other highly regulated environments.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience leading multiple functional areas.
- Demonstrated experience managing P&L performance, budgets, and operational metrics.
- Experience leading within FDA-regulated, healthcare, medical device, pharmaceutical, sterilization, military, government, or other similarly regulated or compliance-intensive environments preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Strong operational leadership and business acumen.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams while driving accountability and performance.
- Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and safety management.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across a matrixed organization.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data to drive business decisions.
- Ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational execution.
- Results-oriented leader with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and accountability.
- Proficiency with business systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
BenefitsSotera Health offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) program with Company match that immediately vests
- Paid holidays, vacation and sick time
- Free financial planning assistance
- Paid parental leave
- Education assistance
- Voluntary benefits including Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
