NPD Project Manager 2

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

The NPD Project Manager II in the Sussex, WI office is responsible for planning and executing product development activities including new product introductions, cost reduction, technology integration, and lifecycle product support.  The position requires strong technical and cross-functional product development and business process knowledge, superior people leadership skills, functional and project management experience, proficiency in quality systems, and business planning knowledge.

The position partners equally with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Service, Finance, IT, and Marketing to drive disciplined decision-making, phase-gate execution, and predictable delivery of customer-focused products. This leadership role is responsible for planning and executing product development project plans which ensure superior products for Customers. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide project management leadership to teams for new product development projects including:  creating schedules, building product development plans, integrating the activities of cross-functional team members
• Implement product requirements into project scope, design and product realization requirements
• Lead key project execution, in primary collaboration with engineering and product management for new product development or similar product initiatives
• Plan and execute multiple large, complex projects to meet or exceed schedule, project cost, scope and quality commitments
• Achieve target product cost for Generac and product life cycle cost for Customers
• Effectively execute and provide suggestions for improvement the product development process. Utilize the Generac Development Process (GDP) Gates and Design Reviews as key drivers of product development progression.
• Define and drive Risk and Mitigation plans for projects.  Define and lead contingency option assessments when needed, then select and execute mitigation plans
• Facilitate collaboration between departments to identify and harvest new product development concepts, technologies, techniques, standards and procedures.
• Manage attributes and decisions such as make vs. buy (globally), shipping and logistics cost, bidding process
• Actively participate in identifying and implementing continuous process improvements of the Generac NPI phase/gate process.  Lead some CI initiatives in this area.
• Identify, evaluate and document “lessons-learned” during the project and communicate best practices and lessons learned to project team members on future projects

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent work experience
• 7 years of relevant work experience
• 5 years of project management experience in product development supporting complex, cross functional product development initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7 years of progressive work experience in new product development, program/project management, product management, of machinery, generators, or other powered products & systems.

• Demonstrated leadership of full lifecycle NPD programs using a formal phase-gate style process
• Experience driving cross-functional alignment without direct authority
• Exposure to industrial, commercial, or powered products environments

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 

• Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community-minded and dedicated to giving back. The company proudly offers a Volunteer Time Off program, inviting team members to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities on company time. 

• 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.  

• We’re an inclusive company that celebrates differences and keeps equity and respect at the forefront. 

• We offer product loan and discount programs

“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.”