Value Stream Director

Generac; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac is looking for a Value Stream Director in Whitewater, Wisconsin. This key role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure safety, quality, and cost targets are met across multi-shift operations.

The successful candidate will implement the Generac Manufacturing System, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate across teams to benchmark best practices. A Bachelor's degree and over 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations are required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations and/or lean management.
• Strong understanding of Lean, Operations, and Supply Chain certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across the value stream, ensuring execution of targets.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by driving product flow.
• Design and direct functional areas aligning with the company's strategy.

Skills

Lean implementation

Innovative thinking

Problem solving

Leadership & coaching

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

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

Tools

SAP or equivalent ERP systems

Job description

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.