Vice President - Global Operations

Vice President - Global Operations

Location: Metro-Milwaukee, WI with significant global travel

Opportunity

The VicePresident - Global Operations will drive operational excellence and strategicleadership by growing, leading and managing Rehlko's operations. The position is responsible for identifyingand implementing operational process and best practices to deliver to goals for inventory, logistics, scheduling, procurement, and lead-time to achieve sales growth in our manufacturinglocations. This position is alsoresponsible for identifying and qualifying new fulfillment capabilities,capacity planning and optimization to increase our global footprint.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Proven leadership of large, unionized manufacturing sites across Europe, Asia, India, and the USA .
• Demonstrated success in multi-site operational turnarounds with clear improvements in safety, quality, and delivery performance.
• Extensive manufacturing engineering expertise, particularly in improving BOM accuracy, capacity management, capital project justification, and workforce planning.
• Strong track record of uniting cross-functional teams (HR, Finance, Product Engineering, Sales, Marketing) to support production operations and ensure execution of business plans.
• Experience developing and executing footprint strategies to optimize space utilization and reduce costs, particularly through low-cost manufacturing regions.
• Expertise in leading the fabrication and assembly of heavy industrial equipment, such as industrial power generators (200kW-5MW), companies that make large agricultural and construction equipment, and custom HVAC units.
• Experience in Make-to-Order and Engineer-to-Order environments is essential.
• Knowledge of large industrial engine manufacturing (V12, V16, V20 engines).
• In-depth understanding of materials management, including proficiency in MRP, ERP, WMS systems, and best practices for optimizing inventory turns and reducing inventory value.
• Experience leading Design for Manufacturing (DFM) initiatives and reducing product complexity on the shop floor.
• At least 20 years of progressive leadership experience in regional and global operations.
• Proven ability to implement a Daily Accountability Process, tracking daily site performance and identifying issues in real time.
• History of driving short-term improvements in inventory reduction and productivity.
• Experience in dynamic environments with fluctuating demand, making rapid headcount and cost adjustments as needed.
• Hands-on leadership approach.
• Experience presenting to C-suite executives, private equity owners, and boards of directors.
• Strong track record of cost-out initiatives, including productivity improvements, PPV savings, and sourcing from low-cost regions, in collaboration with procurement teams.
• Consistent record of promotions due to high performance and leadership of large teams.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, leading teams to address challenges continuously.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Dynamic and fast-paced leadership style, capable of quickly adapting to changing business conditions.
• Proactive strategist, capable of setting the direction and driving action without waiting for guidance.
• Decisive, able to make decisions with 60-80% certainty and drive continuous improvement.
• Skilled in coaching plant managers to achieve high performance and making necessary personnel changes within the first 3 to 6 months in the role.
• Prioritizes focus on underperforming sites that are critical to the business, understanding that different sites require different approaches.
• Strong communicator, able to inspire teams by openly sharing ideas with conviction.
• Fosters strong alliances with peers, understanding the importance of collaboration for success.
• Hands-on problem solver who is unafraid to dive into the details when necessary.
• Direct and firm, while maintaining respect for others.
• Driven by results with a strong sense of urgency.
• Proven track record as a real problem solver.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelors' degree required.
• 15+ years operations experience in global manufacturing, OEM, or B2B environment preferred.
• Candidates possess demonstrated strategic thinking and turning them into executable actions to achieve results.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and presentation skills are required.
• Must be goal oriented, result driven and able to work independently
• Agile and technology adaptor and advocacy

* Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $286,850 - $391,150. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Work at Rehlko?
A global leader in energy resilience, Rehlko delivers innovative energy solutions critical to sustain and improve life across home energy, industrial energy systems, and powertrain technologies, by delivering control, resilience, and innovation. Leveraging the strength of its portfolio of businesses - Power Systems, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Heila Technologies, Curtis Instruments, and Engines, and more than a century of industry leadership, Rehlko builds resilience where and when the grid cannot, and goes beyond functional, individual recovery to create better lives and communities, and a more durable and reliable energy future. For more details, learn more at Rehlko.com.

In addition to the investment in your development, Rehlko offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

About Us
Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Rehlko proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.

It is Rehlko's policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact EnergyJ[redacted]. Rehlko is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.