Job Title:
Value Stream Leader
Company: Winco Generators
Location: Le Center, MN
Created: 2026-04-13
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Winco is a veteran- and family-owned power generation manufacturer dedicated to exceeding customer expectations and fostering opportunities for our team. Located just 30 minutes from Mankato, MN, we provide a collaborative environment where innovation meets reliability in designing and producing high-quality generator sets. Position SummaryThe Value Stream Leader (VSL) is accountable for the end-to-end performance of an assigned manufacturing value stream (e.g., Paint, Assembly, Test). This role owns safety, quality, delivery, cost, efficiency, and people performance within the area and ensures production objectives are met through effective leadership, standardized processes, and continuous improvement.The VSL provides daily leadership to production personnel, maintains safe and efficient work environments, manages schedules and resources, and drives improvements in flow, productivity, and quality while ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory and ISO standards.Key ResponsibilitiesSafety & Environmental StewardshipOwn and drive safety performance for the assigned value streamEnsure compliance with all safety policies, OSHA requirements, and environmental regulationsLead hazard identification, risk mitigation, and corrective actionsPromote a strong safety culture through training, audits, and employee engagementQuality & ComplianceEnsure products meet defined quality standards and customer requirementsDrive root cause analysis and corrective actions for nonconformancesMaintain compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 requirements as applicablePartner with Quality and Engineering to implement process controls and improvementsProduction & DeliveryOwn production schedules and execution to meet delivery commitmentsBalance labor, materials, and equipment to meet output targetsMonitor and manage key production metrics (SQDC)Escalate risks to delivery or capacity and implement recovery plansContinuous Improvement & EfficiencyLead lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiativesOptimize area layout, material flow, and workstation designReduce waste, improve cycle times, and increase overall efficiencyStandardize work and sustain improvements through visual management and auditsPage BreakPeople Leadership & DevelopmentDirectly lead supervisors and/or hourly personnel within the value streamSet expectations, provide coaching, and conduct performance evaluationsSupport hiring, onboarding, training, and workforce planningFoster engagement, accountability, and teamworkArea Ownership & HousekeepingMaintain ownership of the physical condition of the areaEnsure equipment, tooling, and workspaces are safe, organized, and well maintainedSupport TPM and preventive maintenance activitiesRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field or equivalent experience2+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership rolesDemonstrated experience leading people and managing production operationsStrong understanding of safety, quality systems, and production controlsPreferred Qualifications5+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles Experience in generator manufacturing, heavy equipment, or similar industrial environmentsLean manufacturing or value stream management experienceISO 9001, ISO 14001, and/or ISO 45001 working knowledgeProven track record of driving measurable operational improvementsKey CompetenciesLeadership and accountabilityProblem-solving and root cause analysisCommunication and cross-functional collaborationData-driven decision makingChange management and continuous improvement mindsetKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Safety incident rate and corrective action closureFirst-pass yield and defect ratesSchedule adherence and on-time deliveryLabor productivity and efficiencyEmployee engagement and turnoverWorking ConditionsManufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and industrial conditionsMay require extended hours to support production needsWho You AreDependable and collaborative; you do what you say and communicate clearly when obstacles arise.Motivated to learn, grow, and improve professionally.Value open and honest communication with co-workers.Take responsibility for your work and support your team.What We OfferWinco is committed to supporting our team both professionally and personally:Four-Day Work Week: 4 x 10-hour days (Monday-Thursday).Career Growth: Stable environment with opportunities for development and advancement.Tuition Assistance: Support for education and continuous learning.Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and holidays.Profit Sharing Bonus: Eligible for a bonus based on company profitability.