What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Project Manager - NPD position at Generac?
Overview
The Senior Project Manager - NPD leads the planning and execution of complex, global product development initiatives supporting Generac’s Industrial Energy portfolio. This role is responsible for delivering high-impact projects tied to industrial power systems and energy solutions, including new product introductions, technology integration, and lifecycle product enhancements.
This position partners closely with engineering, product management, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure successful execution of projects that meet customer expectations, cost targets, and business objectives within the Industrial Energy segment.
Responsibilities
The Senior Project Manager - NPD leads the planning and execution of complex, global product development initiatives supporting Generac’s Industrial Energy portfolio. This role is responsible for delivering high-impact projects tied to industrial power systems and energy solutions, including new product introductions, technology integration, and lifecycle product enhancements.
This position partners closely with engineering, product management, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure successful execution of projects that meet customer expectations, cost targets, and business objectives within the Industrial Energy segment.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end execution of New Product Development (NPD) projects within Generac’s Industrial Energy business, including planning, scheduling, and cross-functional coordination
- Translate product strategy, technical requirements, and business needs into structured project plans and deliverables
- Manage multiple large, complex, global projects, ensuring alignment to scope, cost, quality, and timeline commitments
- Drive execution of new product introductions, cost reduction initiatives, and product lifecycle improvements for industrial energy systems
- Lead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, service, and product management teams
- Establish and maintain project governance using formal phase-gate processes (e.g., GDP milestones and design reviews)
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; lead contingency planning and issue resolution
- Support key business decisions including sourcing strategies, make-vs-buy analysis, and cost optimisation across the product lifecycle
- Drive continuous improvement across project execution, development processes, and operational efficiency within Industrial Energy programs
- Capture and apply lessons learned to improve future project delivery and organisational best practices
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience
- 10 years of progressive experience in engineering, project management, or industrial equipment/product environments
- 7 years of project management experience in New Product Development with global cross functional teams and global product releases throughout the entire product life cycle
- Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering global product development or product launch initiatives
- Strong track record of managing complex projects and meeting cost, timeline, and quality targets
- Experience supporting industrial energy, power systems, or similar heavy equipment/product environments
- Demonstrated experience delivering products across global markets and full product lifecycle stages
- Expertise in structured development processes (e.g., phase-gate, NPI frameworks)
- Strong financial and business acumen, including cost management and lifecycle optimisation
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment in a matrixed, cross-functional environment
- Experience leading large-scale, high-complexity programs within industrial or energy-focused product portfolios
- Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more
- State-of-the-art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities
- Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers
- Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits, many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line, while others go right into storm-affected areas to repair generators
- Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community-minded and dedicated to giving back. The company proudly offers a Volunteer Time Off program, inviting team members to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities on company time.