Value Stream Director

Generac Power Systems; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac Power Systems is seeking a Value Stream Director to lead a multi-shift value stream at Whitewater, WI. You will drive operational excellence through the Generac Manufacturing System, oversee budgets, CAPEX, and forecasts, and partner across sites to share best practices and improve customer satisfaction.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 10+ years in manufacturing or lean roles, with preferred master’s in engineering, business, or supply chain and SAP

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations and/or lean management.
• Proven track record leading lean initiatives and driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across the value stream to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Champion continuous improvement through pull systems, standardized work, and workload leveling.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Whitewater, WI - USA

Full time

JR14586

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

The Value Stream Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a multi-shift value stream—potentially spanning multiple locations—while aligning and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver business results.

This leader is responsible for implementing the Generac Manufacturing System (GMS) to drive operational excellence, ensure a safe and quality-focused work environment, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

This role partners across Generac sites and corporate functions to benchmark, standardize, and implement best practices. It also supports the development of annual CAPEX and operating budgets, as well as quarterly forecasts, and leverages financial data to assess business performance, identify opportunities, and clearly communicate monthly variances

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead daily operations across the value stream, ensuring consistent execution and achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by driving product flow, implementing pull systems, and leveling workload across operations

• Establish and sustain a culture focused on problem-solving, quality at the source, and employee empowerment

• Deploy standardized work, implement countermeasures, and drive adherence to process discipline

• Foster a positive, high-performing team environment grounded in accountability and engagement

• Strategic Leadership & Talent Development

• Design and direct the functional area, setting clear objectives aligned with company strategy

• Select, coach, and develop high-performing teams; lead performance management, succession planning, and talent development efforts

• Build and execute long-range staffing strategies to support operational growth and performance

• Ensure robust training and cross-training programs are in place to maintain operational continuity

Performance Management & Execution

• Utilize PDCA and Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI) processes to drive measurable results across safety, quality, delivery, and cost

• Establish visual management systems to ensure transparency and rapid issue identification

• Execute Leader Standard Work to reinforce consistency and operational discipline

• Business & Growth Initiatives

• Develop and execute tactical and strategic improvement plans aligned with long-term business objectives

• Lead and coordinate successful New Product Introductions (NPI) within operations

• Partner in facility-level strategic planning and contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives

• Drive best practice sharing and benchmarking across the organization

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations and/or lean management

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain

• 5+ years of hands-on Lean implementation experience

• Lean, Operations, or Supply Chain certifications

• Experience with SAP or equivalent ERP systems

• Demonstrated expertise in flow, Kanban, and Plan for Every Part (PFEP) methodologies

• Proven experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams

Key Competencies

• Innovative Thinking: Challenges the status quo and drives breakthrough solutions

• Problem Solving: Uses data and KPIs to implement sustainable improvements

• Leadership & Coaching: Builds strong teams through coaching, collaboration, and accountability

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Focuses on process discipline and operational excellence

• Execution Focus: Sets high standards and drives results through disciplined follow-through

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands for computer-based work
• Occasional bending, reaching, or lifting up to 25 pounds
• Up to 10% domestic travel

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

As one of the leaders and largest suppliers of power generation equipment and technology, the work we do touches millions of lives. Employees at Generac are encouraged to be innovative and are valued as an integral part of our global team. Our challenging goals develop knowledgeable employees dedicated to helping continue Generac’s success. Generac provides individuals the opportunity to work in a fast-paced agile work environment where their work makes a difference in people’s lives and their own.