What are the responsibilities and job description for the Value Stream Director position at Generac?
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