JobsGenerac

Buyer II

Generac · Berlin, WI

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a time a supplier's on-time delivery started slipping. What did you do to figure out what was going on and get it fixed?

how they diagnose root cause with a supplier rather than just escalating or expediting

Tell me about a purchase decision where the lowest price supplier was not the one you picked. How did you justify that?

whether they weigh quality, delivery and total cost, not just unit price

Describe a time you found a cost reduction opportunity that wasn't obvious. How did you find it and what happened?

proactive cost analysis skill versus just processing purchase orders

Tell me about a negotiation with a supplier that didn't go the way you expected. What did you learn from it?

real negotiation experience and self-awareness, not a rehearsed win story

What's a time you had to juggle several urgent priorities at once in a fast-moving purchasing environment? How did you decide what came first?

time management and judgment under shifting deadlines typical of a manufacturing floor

Technical

How would you set up plan for every part, or PFEP, for a new commodity you're taking over?

practical grasp of inventory planning methodology, not just familiarity with the term

What key indicators would you track to know if a supplier relationship is healthy, and what do you do when one of them goes red?

understanding of metrics like past due POs, PO acknowledgements, and NCR cycle time, and whether they act on data

How have you used SAP, or a similar ERP, day to day in purchasing? What's something you've had to troubleshoot or explain to others as the go-to person?

depth of SAP knowledge and readiness to act as a super user for the team

How do you decide when a make-versus-buy analysis is worth doing, and what factors go into that recommendation?

analytical rigor around sourcing decisions beyond gut feel

Situational

You get an engineering change order that affects a part with a long lead time and existing inventory on order. What's your first move?

how they sequence supplier communication, inventory exposure, and internal coordination on ECOs

A supplier misses a shipment and now production is at risk of stopping in three days. What do you do in the next hour, and what do you do over the next week?

ability to triage urgent supply risk while also fixing the underlying process

You're managing a supplier's non-conforming material returns and the cycle time keeps stretching out. How do you get that resolved without damaging the relationship?

balance between holding suppliers accountable and maintaining a working partnership

Describe how you'd work with Corporate Strategic Sourcing on a category that overlaps with your local supply base. How do you avoid stepping on toes or duplicating work?

understanding of how site-level buying fits into a larger corporate sourcing structure

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

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? We are seeking a Buyer to join the team at our Berlin, WI facility! In the role of Buyer II you will be responsible for purchasing components and maintaining an open line of communication from a variety of suppliers as well as working cross-functionally within the company on topic such as component issues, costing or invoicing concerns, NMR's and receiving inspections, and ECO's.  The Buyer is responsible for continuously working with suppliers to improve on-time delivery and work to continuously improve raw good turns and look for cost reduction opportunities. Responsibilities: • Execute standard purchasing processes and strategies including procure-to-pay definition and optimization • Incumbents at this level have the authority to purchase at the most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, delivery and other factors, raw materials, equipment, machinery and/or supplies for the operation of the organization • Participates in the selection of vendor sources and has considerable latitude in determining acceptable price • Plan and maintain optimal level of inventory using plan for every part (PFEP) • Manage supplier on time delivery (OTD) performance, maintain system data integrity and measure performance on related key indicators (examples: past due purchase orders, open PO acknowledgements, PO expedites, non-conforming material return cycle time, and supplier invoice resolution)  • Proactively identify, communicate, and assist with resolving issues that delay material deliveries • Support direction and strategies regarding supplier demand forecasting, supplier capacity planning, supply base inventory management, supplier replenishment and procurement transactions   • Recommend cost saving proposals including make-versus-buy analysis, alternative sourcing, step pricing for volume discounts, and vendor evaluation criteria • Requisition major purchased items and coordinate timely processing of those parts finished outside the company. Establish good working relationships with suppliers and internal customers  • Coordinate engineering change order (ECO) activities with suppliers and internal support functions  • Work with Corporate Strategic Sourcing department to identify key and preferred suppliers for key categories of spend that support business unit and corporate objectives • Act as SAP Super User within functional area as assigned Minimum Qualifications: • Associates Degree in related field OR equivalent experience • 3 years of purchasing, planning or related experience in a manufacturing environment Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management • Association for Operations Management (APICS) Certification • Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite • Effective and successful contract negotiation skills   • Strong project management and analytical skills including ability to problem solve, manage shifting deadlines and priorities in fast paced environment  • Effective verbal and written communication 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 include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.)  “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.”

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