Director Continuous Improvement, Engines
Apply NowCompany: Rehlko, LLC
Location: Kohler, WI 53044
Description:
Why Work at Rehlko
We have met today's energy needs while planning for tomorrow's for over 100 years. Beginning with the first modern generator, the Rehlko Automatic Power & Light, launched in 1920, Rehlko has been an innovative leader in energy resilience.
Our product range includes engines, generators, power conversion, UPS systems, EV components and electrification solutions, microgrid controls and management, clean energy solutions, and much more that serve a broad spectrum of OEM, residential, industrial, and commercial customers.
Our priorities are global: the stability from steady energy sources and reliable back-ups. The power to be able to harness energy, and the freedom of not being dependent on an aging centralized grid. The confidence that clean energy solutions offer when it comes to a sustainable world, and the commitment to keep innovating towards greater impact.
Why You Will Love this Job:
Location: Hybrid/based out of offices in Kohler, WI or Glendale, WI
Travel: 50%, International (first 18-24 months may be higher)
The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI), reporting to the President of Engines, will lead the strategic direction, coaching, and implementation of continuous improvement efforts across Rehlko (Engines) global commercial functions. This role will collaborate closely with other CI leaders to ensure alignment with operational CI objectives and policy initiatives. The ideal candidate brings broad cross-functional experience and a proven track record in improving transactional business processes. Rehlko seeks a forward-thinking professional with a background in Commercial Excellence, including strategy/policy deployment, sales methodologies, 80/20 analysis, marketing effectiveness, and artificial intelligence. Reporting to the President of Engines, this role plays a key role in advancing the Rehlko Business System and CI strategy.
Specific Responsibilities:
Requirements:
Key Competencies:
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
The Salary range for this position is $156,000.00-$201,900.00.The specific Salary rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location.
About Us
Rehlko proudly offers a rich history steeped in creativity and commitment to our associates and communities, along with competitive benefits and compensation. Our Purpose-Creating an energy resilient world for a better future-and Values: Curiosity, Trust, Pace, and Excellence, are important cultural components that shape the way we work and relate to one another. Learn more about Rehlko at http://www.rehlko.com/who-we-are.
In addition to the investment in your development, Rehlko offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with Rehlko matching, and more!?
Rehlko is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and will make decisions regarding employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination, without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, caste, mental or physical disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political belief or affiliation, union membership status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national, state, local, or other applicable laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
It is the policy of Rehlko to comply with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding national, state, local, or other applicable laws. Rehlko will not discriminate against any qualified associate or applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability. Rehlko will provide a reasonable accommodation to associates or applicants with disabilities, in accordance with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require an accommodation in the application process or during the course of employment, please contact EnergyJobs@rehlko.com. Rehlko is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
We have met today's energy needs while planning for tomorrow's for over 100 years. Beginning with the first modern generator, the Rehlko Automatic Power & Light, launched in 1920, Rehlko has been an innovative leader in energy resilience.
Our product range includes engines, generators, power conversion, UPS systems, EV components and electrification solutions, microgrid controls and management, clean energy solutions, and much more that serve a broad spectrum of OEM, residential, industrial, and commercial customers.
Our priorities are global: the stability from steady energy sources and reliable back-ups. The power to be able to harness energy, and the freedom of not being dependent on an aging centralized grid. The confidence that clean energy solutions offer when it comes to a sustainable world, and the commitment to keep innovating towards greater impact.
Why You Will Love this Job:
Location: Hybrid/based out of offices in Kohler, WI or Glendale, WI
Travel: 50%, International (first 18-24 months may be higher)
The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI), reporting to the President of Engines, will lead the strategic direction, coaching, and implementation of continuous improvement efforts across Rehlko (Engines) global commercial functions. This role will collaborate closely with other CI leaders to ensure alignment with operational CI objectives and policy initiatives. The ideal candidate brings broad cross-functional experience and a proven track record in improving transactional business processes. Rehlko seeks a forward-thinking professional with a background in Commercial Excellence, including strategy/policy deployment, sales methodologies, 80/20 analysis, marketing effectiveness, and artificial intelligence. Reporting to the President of Engines, this role plays a key role in advancing the Rehlko Business System and CI strategy.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Rehlko Engines Commercial team by developing and executing a lean transformation strategy supported by clear metrics.
- Facilitate training and coaching on lean tools, kaizen events, and continuous improvement methods at all levels of the organization.
- Develop and implement a commercial playbook that includes daily management practices, visual management, root cause analysis, and action tracking.
- Partner with divisional leaders to build and apply a change management approach that includes communication, readiness, and leadership alignment.
- Establish and lead a CI steering team; manage a Kaizen pipeline and ensure that improvement initiatives are sustained and integrated into daily operations.
- Assist with the design and deployment of a balanced scorecard for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Use data tools to track progress toward goals and identify areas for improvement.
- Actively contribute to the annual Rehlko Engines strategy deployment process.
- Interact with Sales, Marketing, IT, Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing Operations, HR, and Purchasing.
- Frequently participate in strategic planning sessions with the Engines President and leadership team.
- Engage with technical experts, suppliers, and academic partners to exchange knowledge and drive innovation.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, process management, operations, commercial, industrial engineering, or engineering management.
- 8+ years of experience in process optimization, operations, or business management, with knowledge of Continuous Improvement (CI), Kaizen, Six Sigma, and Lean practices.
- Strong proficiency in lean methodologies and tools such as 5S, Standard Work (SW), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and Transactional Process Improvement (TPI).
- Experience implementing lean practices across an organization and demonstrating measurable impact.
- Familiarity with 80/20 analysis for customer and product segmentation.
- Preferred: Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) in business, engineering, educational management, or related fields.
- Preferred: Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (belt or black belt)
- Experience with SAP is beneficial but not essential.
- Experience collaborating with commercial teams on process improvement initiatives is preferred.
Key Competencies:
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Collaborative mindset with a focus on knowledge-sharing and support
- Effective time and priority management
- Strategic and analytical problem-solving skills
- Mentorship and development capabilities
- Project management and organizational skills
- Experience managing cost-reduction initiatives using data-driven methods
- Proficiency in tools such as MINITAB or similar analytics platforms
- Adaptability and ability to thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments
- Track record of using lean tools to support commercial success
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
The Salary range for this position is $156,000.00-$201,900.00.The specific Salary rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location.
About Us
Rehlko proudly offers a rich history steeped in creativity and commitment to our associates and communities, along with competitive benefits and compensation. Our Purpose-Creating an energy resilient world for a better future-and Values: Curiosity, Trust, Pace, and Excellence, are important cultural components that shape the way we work and relate to one another. Learn more about Rehlko at http://www.rehlko.com/who-we-are.
In addition to the investment in your development, Rehlko offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with Rehlko matching, and more!?
Rehlko is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and will make decisions regarding employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination, without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, caste, mental or physical disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political belief or affiliation, union membership status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national, state, local, or other applicable laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
It is the policy of Rehlko to comply with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding national, state, local, or other applicable laws. Rehlko will not discriminate against any qualified associate or applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability. Rehlko will provide a reasonable accommodation to associates or applicants with disabilities, in accordance with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require an accommodation in the application process or during the course of employment, please contact EnergyJobs@rehlko.com. Rehlko is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.