Director Manufacturing Strategy

About the Role

The Director Manufacturing Strategy is responsible for leadership activities encompassing the enterprise Industrial Footprint Strategy, Portfolio Utilization and Planning, and Product Transfers. This role combines strategic roadmap development, process improvement, standards deployment, and innovation to optimize assets and operations, aiming to create world-class facilities integrating advanced systems across the value chain. The team will partner with other pillars in the Advanced Manufacturing Team as SMEs to deliver comprehensive solutions for Generac's global manufacturing portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development & Deployment / Process Improvement:
  • Drive Operations Strategic Footprint Roadmap development aligned with long-range business planning.
  • Ensure each manufacturing facility has a 5-year roadmap aligned with operational disciplines.
  • Develop and implement methodologies to maximize floor space utilization, asset uptime, and reduce waste.
  • Research and evaluate new technologies to accelerate competitive advantages.
  • Lead operational strategy, align daily activities with company goals, and manage operational budgets.
  • Oversee the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy Team, including project planning and resource allocation.
  • Collaborate with BUs to develop 3-5 year supply chain roadmaps aligned with demand and profitability targets.
  • Lead the Operations Product Transfer Steering Committee to ensure procedural adherence.
  • Coordinate with HR, finance, engineering, and senior leadership to support organizational priorities.
  • Oversee capital projects and provide budgetary figures for future planning.
  • Incorporate sustainability and workplace optimization initiatives.
  • Monitor KPIs and operational performance using data-driven insights.
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop project management and engineering resources.
  • Support cost reduction initiatives through process and technology improvements.
• Project Management:
  • Own the development of 3-5 year end-to-end supply chain strategy.
  • Provide project management and engineering expertise to team members.
  • Drive strategic cost, quality, and delivery initiatives with a focus on breakthrough improvements.
• Management:
  • Provide guidance on strategic decisions related to core technologies and systems.
  • Select, coach, and develop a team aligned with company strategy.
  • Manage talent through performance management and succession planning.
  • Design processes for performance recognition and improvement.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (required).
  • Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (preferred).
• Experience:
  • 10+ years in Operations Engineering and Production, including global end-to-end supply chain strategy development.
  • 5+ years in project and/or people management with a focus on operational technologies and processes.
  • Experience in new capacity planning, rebalancing, and product transfers.
  • Preferred: Extensive experience in supply chain strategy implementation, enterprise-level process deployment, international and matrix organizations, multi-site support, SAP/ERP, facilities/structural engineering, CMMS systems, and large-scale project management.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Operations Engineering and End-to-End Supply Chain principles.
  • Ability to manage strategic and tactical issues hands-on.
  • Proficiency in assessing facilities, infrastructure, and technology against best-in-class standards.
  • Team leadership and development skills.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and ERP platforms (SAP preferred).
  • Ability to prioritize multiple projects with shifting deadlines.