Continuous Improvement Manager

We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world.

Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.

The Manager Continuous Improvement is responsible for the coaching, leading, and implementation of operational process improvements in utilizing the Generac Manufacturing System (GMS) in a manufacturing or distribution facility.  The Manager Continuous Improvement provides hands on training & coaching in lean principles (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.) and tools to eliminate waste in all operations functions.  The Manager Continuous Improvement leads the deployment of the business system tools and standards in the manufacturing or distribution facility (up to 750M) in alignment with the corporate Continuous Improvement team. The Manager Continuous Improvement will lead a team of up to 10 Industrial Engineers to accomplish organizational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership of continuous improvement projects, events, and activities in facility 
• Coach, lead and implement process improvements utilizing Lean principles (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.) and the Generac Manufacturing System (GMS). 
• Designs and directs the work of the team. Selects, coaches and develops staff. Sets clear expectations to inspire and motivate the team. Manages performance-- recognizing achievement, providing feedback, and administering progressive discipline when necessary.  
• Mentor and guide facility team members and peers in the understanding, use and implementation of Lean principles and tools. 
• Provide hands on training in lean principles (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.) and tools developed by corporate Continuous Improvement team 
• Participate in the development of standards and programs with the corporate Continuous Improvement team.  Participate in the development and implementation of facility strategic plans and initiatives.  Facilitate the flow of information sharing of best practices and external benchmarks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field OR equivalent experience 
• 5 years Continuous Improvement or Lean management experience in a manufacturing environment  
• 3 years leadership experience  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, or Shingo Prize methodology, or similar 
• 5 years of demonstrated implementation experience in Lean principles 
• Lean, Operations or Supply Chain Certifications 
• Experience with SAP or equivalent ERP system 
• Demonstrated experience in flow principles, Kanban, and plan for every part (PFEP) 
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership with a diversity of team skills 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experiment and Push Boundaries – Designs/implements facility solutions that challenge the norm 
• Ideate & Breakthrough – Analyzes and implements successful facility change 
• Connect & Coach – Creates cross functional dialog, drives action through coaching  Continuous Improvement – Uses KPI’s to create reliable/sustainable improvements, drives standard work, focuses on process 
• Drive to Win – Sets high performance standards, Monitors/redirects ensuring project results, Coaches balance, problem solving, improved customer/employee experience

Great Reasons to work for Generac: 

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more
• 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
• We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days. 
• Every day is Jeans Day! Dress for your day.
• Product loan and discount programs

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional 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.”