Continuous Improvement (Ci) Manager

At Generac, our people help make the world safer, brighter, and more productive. We are united by our efforts to inspire change for a better world; impact our people and community; influence and achieve positive results; and innovate the industry. Our shared goals allow people with diverse backgrounds and points of view to work together, bringing our global customers peace of mind through reliable products and exceptional support.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for the design, leadership, training, coaching and execution of lean improvements across the Generac. The CI Manager will lead and manage the deployment of Generac Lean CI principles, methodologies, tools and metrics utilizing Toyota Production System and Shingo Prize methodology. Delivers hands-on coaching and problem solving to associates in lean methodology and tools to eliminate waste in all functions. Overall responsibility for coordinating and leading team members cross-functionally and with multiple facilities to meet or exceed company business objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Train, develop, motivate, monitor and lead a team of facility lean professionals with an emphasis on championing the goals, objectives and implementation plans relative to the lean assessment needs and strategic direction
• Support production operations in development and execution of lean continuous improvement plans and kaizens. Facilitate lean CI kaizens to improve site metrics and deliver strategy deployment goals.
• Develop, deploy and train standard Generac CI tools, methodologies, standards, practices and processes.

Minimal Qualifications:

• 5 years of lean continuous improvement implementation experience in a manufacturing environment using Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, or Shingo Prize methodology
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with international companies and in matrix organizations
• Experience in demand flow principles and plan for every part (PFEP) methodology
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems)
• Line operations experience working in a production or supply chain environment: Production supervision, materials, sourcing, distribution, logistics, planning, quality, or service
• Demonstrated understanding of financial measurements and goals in the lean enterprise

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Proven experience in collaborating with multiple sites and functions to drive common solutions
• Ability to set the agenda (based on business needs and priorities) and bring others with you
• Demonstrated personal flexibility in approach and ideas
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills with the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities
• Sound business acumen operating in high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix production environments
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior management, teams and individuals across a variety of settings
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, including the ability to identify creative and effective solutions and the ability to ask the right questions and help frame logical conclusions.
• Strong project leadership experience with a diversity of team skills

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 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. Up to 30% domestic and international travel.

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”