Director Manufacturing Strategy

Generac Power Systems•Waukesha, WI

About The Position

The Director Manufacturing Strategy leads Generac’s global Industrial Footprint Strategy, Portfolio Utilization and Planning, and Product Transfers. The role develops strategic roadmaps, processes, standards, best practices, and innovations to increase utilization, optimize assets and operations, and create world-class facilities using advanced technology throughout the facility value chain. The director also serves as a subject matter expert and partner to other pillars of the Advanced Manufacturing Team. The position aligns manufacturing and end-to-end supply chain capabilities and capacity with business plans and demand, while supporting product profitability, cost reduction, sustainability, and workplace optimization. It leads strategic initiatives and projects, oversees the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy Team, and provides guidance to cross-functional partners and senior leadership. The role also recruits, develops, and manages team members, including through performance management and succession planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
At least 10 years of related experience in Operations Engineering and Production, including developing global end-to-end supply chain strategies involving new capacity, rebalancing, and product transfers.
At least five years of increasing responsibility in project and/or people management involving a broad range of operational technologies and processes.
Knowledge of Operations Engineering and end-to-end supply chain principles.
Ability to manage strategic and tactical issues through a hands-on approach.
Ability to assess and manage end-to-end processes.
Ability to assess facilities, infrastructure systems, and technology against best-in-class capabilities.
Ability to attract, develop, and manage an impactful team.
Knowledge of MS Office, including Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word, and ERP platform usage.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects amid shifting priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with a CAD platform.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
Extensive experience developing and implementing end-to-end supply chain strategies for manufacturing products involving safety, manufacturing, material handling, and product functional testing.
Experience deploying processes at enterprise level, internally and with external supply chain partners.
Experience working at an international company and in matrix organizations.
Multi-site support experience.
Previous experience using SAP or an equivalent ERP.
Experience with facilities or structural engineering.
Experience using and/or implementing CMMS systems.
Large-scale project management experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and deploy an Operations Strategic Footprint Roadmap aligned with business long-range planning.
Ensure each manufacturing facility has a five-year roadmap aligned with other operational disciplines to maximize asset and systems leverage.
Develop and implement operating methodologies and procedures to improve floor-space utilization, asset uptime and utilization, waste elimination, and operating costs.
Research and evaluate new technologies and processes that can improve competitive advantage while meeting business requirements.
Lead operational strategy and execution by aligning daily activities with company goals, improving productivity, and managing operational budgets.
Oversee the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy Team, including project planning, technical guidance, resource allocation, and compliance with safety and quality standards.
Collaborate with business-unit partners to develop three- to five-year end-to-end supply chain footprint roadmaps aligned with demand, capacity, capabilities, and product profitability targets.
Develop and lead the Operations Product Transfer Steering Committee to align product transfers and ensure adherence to procedures.
Coordinate with HR, finance, engineering teams, and senior leadership on organizational priorities.
Oversee capital projects as appropriate and provide budget figures for future fiscal-year planning.
Incorporate sustainability and workplace optimization initiatives, including energy efficiency, space planning, and long-term facility planning.
Monitor KPIs and operational performance, using data to assess productivity, engineering output, and facility efficiency.
Recruit, mentor, and develop project management and/or engineering resources to execute project plans.
Support reductions in facility operating costs consistent with company objectives.
Lead, coordinate, or support the introduction of new or revised processes and technologies that support cost-reduction initiatives.
Own development of the three- to five-year end-to-end supply chain strategy and provide direction, guidance, project management, and engineering expertise to team members.
Facilitate project flow through regular contact with engineering, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams.
Drive and project-manage major strategic cost, quality, and delivery initiatives, focusing on breakthrough process and technology improvements.
Guide cross-functional teams and leadership on strategic decisions regarding investment in core technologies and systems that provide competitive advantage.
Select, coach, and develop a team; set objectives aligned with company strategy; manage talent through performance management, succession planning, and development; and establish processes for recognition, feedback, and performance improvement.