Director Inbound Distribution

About the Role

Generac is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Distribution to lead our North American distribution network and drive best-in-class fulfillment operations across a complex, multi-site environment. This high-impact leadership role oversees warehousing, distribution, transportation coordination, and third-party logistics partners to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products to customers. The Director will provide strategic direction for all distribution center operations, champion continuous improvement initiatives, and advance Generac's supply chain capabilities through innovative technologies such as warehouse management systems (WMS), automation solutions, RFID, and material handling technologies.

Leading a geographically dispersed leadership team across North America, this role will build a culture of operational excellence, safety, accountability, and customer focus while supporting Generac's continued growth and transformation.

Responsibilities

• Change manage and execute optimization of Generac’s global, make-to-stock finished goods and raw materials warehouse footprint.
• Optimize service and total cost of ownership across multiple business groups, product lines, and geographies.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply, and Logistics leaders to assess needs, identify cost and consumption opportunities, and develop processes to achieve short-term and long-term business objectives.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve warehouse policies, processes, and technologies to achieve people, quality, velocity, productivity, and cash objectives.
• Identify and implement standardized metrics, tools, and processes to continuously improve transportation sourcing, supplier performance, transportation execution, and distribution execution.
• Design and direct the work of the functional area, including selecting, coaching, and developing the team to align with company strategy.
• Manage organizational talent through performance management, succession planning, and development.
• Design processes for recognizing team and individual performance, delivering consistent feedback, and systematically improving performance.
• Oversee, monitor, coach, and problem-solve to deliver improvements in Generac’s distribution costs, cash, lead-time, and service with warehouse operators (internal and outsourced/3PL).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field OR equivalent experience.
• 10 years of distribution experience in footprint/network strategy, operations excellence, 3PL/4PL management, and distribution/transportation technologies (WMS, TMS, FBAP).
• 5 years’ leadership experience managing teams across a global multi-site distribution network.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain.
• Demonstrated implementation experience in and results from Lean principles and methods.
• Lean, Operations, or Supply Chain Certifications.
• Experience designing and delivering training.
• Experience implementing automated manufacturing processes and systems.
• Experience with software solutions (ERP: SAP/Oracle, WMS).
• Information management experience, including data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams.

Skills

• Strong influence and change management skills, particularly in a matrix environment with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to present information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Collaborative approach across business units, hierarchy, and functions.
• Proven ability to influence and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and resolve high-complexity process/system problems.
• Strong time management and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Conflict management and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of basic financial practices and budget management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.
• Regularly required to stand and walk.
• Occasionally required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.
• Must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• 30% travel to Generac distribution center locations.