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Sr Director, Operations Engineering

The Sr Director, Operations Engineering is responsible for leading the enterprise Operations Engineering function with a focus on New Product Launches, Operations Integrations, Product Moves, and Operations Standards. This role ensures that new products, newly integrated operations, and transferred products are launched and sustained in manufacturing safely, on time, at quality, and at target cost. Through the development and deployment of enterprise standards, best practices, and the Generac Fulfillment System (GFS), the Director drives consistent, world-class execution across the Order-to-Cash process (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver & Service). The role partners closely with Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, HR, and Business Unit leadership, and supports Generac's global manufacturing portfolio.

Major Responsibilities

New Product Launches (NPI)

• Lead and coordinate the successful launch of New Product Introductions (NPI) within operations, from early design involvement through production ramp and sustained performance.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness for new products, including process design, PFMEA, line layout, tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and capacity planning.
• Partner with Product Engineering to drive design for manufacturability and assembly so new products launch with optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
• Establish launch gates, readiness criteria, and success metrics, and hold cross-functional teams accountable to them.
• Lead and support the introduction of new and revised processes and technologies that support cost reduction and competitive advantage.

Operations Integrations

• Lead the operational integration of new sites, acquisitions, and expanded capacity into the Generac manufacturing network, aligning processes, systems, and performance expectations.
• Lead and contribute to facility transformation, including layout, mixed-model lines, value stream design, and deployment of the Generac Fulfillment System (GFS).
• Assess integrated facilities, infrastructure systems, and technology against best-in-class capability and develop roadmaps to close gaps.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and senior leadership to ensure integrations meet business objectives.
• Incorporate workplace optimization, space planning, and long-term facility planning into integration plans.

Product Moves & Transfers

• Lead the planning and execution of product moves and technology transfers between facilities and with external supply chain partners, ensuring continuity of supply, quality, and cost.
• Own and continuously improve the product transfer procedure, and support the Operations Product Transfer Steering Committee to ensure alignment and adherence to the procedure.
• Develop transfer plans that include capacity validation, equipment and tooling relocation, process validation, training, and inventory bridge strategies.
• Partner with Business Unit and Manufacturing Strategy leaders to support footprint, rebalancing, and new capacity decisions with sound operations engineering analysis.

Operations Standards

• Develop with corporate Advanced Manufacturing, deploy, and sustain enterprise operations engineering standards, policies, procedures, and process documentation that drive consistent execution across all facilities.
• Drive significant contributions to the implementation of the Generac Fulfillment System (GFS) across the Order-to-Cash process.
• Develop and implement operating methodologies designed to maximize floor space utilization, asset uptime and utilization, eliminate waste, and reduce operating cost.
• Champion lean principles and continuous improvement, and ensure the ongoing success of process improvement initiatives.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate productivity, engineering output, launch performance, and facility efficiency, using data to drive improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards, and incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.

Project Management & Financial Stewardship

• Drive and project manage major cost, quality, and delivery initiatives, with a strong focus on breakthrough process and technology improvements.
• Facilitate project flow through regular engagement with engineering, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams, managing shifting priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Oversee capital projects related to launches, integrations, and product moves, and provide budgetary figures for future fiscal year planning.
• Manage the operations engineering budget and support reduction of the operating cost of each facility consistent with company objectives.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead the Operations Engineering team, including project planning, technical guidance, and resource allocation across sites and initiatives.
• Select, coach, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and project managers, setting objectives that align with company strategy.
• Manage organizational talent through performance management, succession planning, and development, ensuring feedback is consistently delivered and performance is systematically improved.
• Provide guidance to cross-functional teams and leadership on key decisions related to investment in core manufacturing technologies, processes, and systems.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial) or Industrial Technology.
• Work Experience: 10+ years of related experience in Operations Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Production, including leading new product launches and product transfers.
• Leadership Experience: 5+ years of increasing responsibility for project and/or people management involving a broad range of operational technologies and processes.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong knowledge of New Product Development, PFMEA, and operations engineering principles.
• Knowledge of lean principles, continuous improvement, and end-to-end supply chain principles.
• Experience operating in both high-mix, low-volume and high-volume, low-mix production environments.
• Ability to assess and manage end-to-end processes and to manage strategic and tactical issues by being hands-on.
• Ability to develop and deploy standards and best practices across multiple sites.
• Ability to attract, develop, and manage an impactful team.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills, including the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects with shifting priorities and moving deadlines.
• Proficiency in a CAD platform (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and/or ProE), MS Office, and ERP platforms.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Master's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP).
• Experience deploying processes and standards at an enterprise level, both internally and with external supply chain partners.
• Experience leading operations integrations, facility transformations, and multi-site product transfers.
• Experience working in an international company and in matrix organizations, with multi-site support experience.
• Previous experience using SAP or an equivalent ERP.
• Experience with facilities engineering and with using and/or implementing CMMS systems.
• Large-scale project management experience.

“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.”