JobsGenerac

Buyer III

Generac · Oshkosh, WI

Posted Sep 9, 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

Tell me about a time you found a cost reduction opportunity that wasn't obvious. What did you do and what was the result?

real experience driving savings versus just processing purchase orders

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

negotiation skill and self-awareness under pressure, not just a success story

Tell me about a time you had to manage several shifting deadlines at once. How did you decide what to work on first?

ability to handle the fast-paced, multiple-priority environment the posting calls out

How do you build a working relationship with a supplier so that when something goes wrong, they tell you early instead of late?

relationship management skill, since supplier trust directly affects delivery performance

Tell me about a time you disagreed with strategic sourcing or another internal team about which supplier to use. How did you resolve it?

how the candidate handles cross-functional friction without escalating unnecessarily

Technical

What's your experience with SAP, and have you ever acted as a super user or gone-to person for others in a purchasing function?

depth of SAP knowledge since the role explicitly requires super user capability

Describe a make-versus-buy analysis you've done. What factors mattered most in that decision?

whether the candidate actually understands cost modeling versus just repeating the term

How do you think about plan for every part, or PFEP, when you're setting inventory levels for a component?

whether the candidate has real inventory planning experience versus buzzword familiarity

What key performance indicators would you track to know whether your supply base is healthy, and what would trigger you to step in?

understanding of metrics like past due POs, PO acknowledgements, and invoice resolution mentioned in the job

Situational

Walk me through how you'd handle a supplier whose on-time delivery has been slipping over the last few months.

whether the candidate has a structured approach to OTD problems rather than just reacting when a shortage hits

An engineering change order comes in that affects a part you buy from three different suppliers. How do you coordinate that so nothing falls through the cracks?

ability to manage cross-functional coordination on ECOs, a named responsibility in the posting

A key supplier tells you they can't meet capacity for the next quarter because of a demand spike. What do you do first?

prioritization and problem-solving under a supply constraint that could halt production

A non-conforming material shipment comes in and production needs the part tomorrow. Walk me through what you'd do.

practical judgment on quality issues balanced against production urgency

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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? The Senior Buyer is responsible for purchasing complex 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, new material requirement and receiving inspections, and ECO's. Additionally, the Senior 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. • Support direction and strategies regarding supplier demand forecasting, supplier capacity planning, supply base inventory management, supplier replenishment and procurement transactions. • 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). • Work with Corporate Strategic Sourcing department to identify key and preferred suppliers for key categories of spend that support business unit and corporate objectives. • Recommend cost saving proposals including make-versus-buy analysis, alternative sourcing, step pricing for volume discounts, and vendor evaluation criteria. • Plan and maintain optimal level of inventory using plan for every part (PFEP). • Proactively identify, communicate, and assist with resolving issues that delay material deliveries. • Coordinate engineering change order (ECO) activities with suppliers and internal support functions. • Requisition major purchased items and coordinate timely processing of those parts finished outside the company. • Establish good working relationships with suppliers and internal customers. • Ability to apply creative problem approaches and ideas to solve problems for area of responsibility. • Act as SAP Super User within functional area. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in related field OR 5 years related experience in the Supply Chain function within a similar working environment; • 3 years of purchasing, planning or related experience in a manufacturing environment. Additional Qualifications: • Proven track record of successfully managing shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast paced environment; • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; • Demonstrated skills in problem solving, contract negotiation and project management; • Strong project management and analytical skills; • Effective verbal and written communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management; • ERP/MRP User (SAP/Oracle); • Association for Operations Management (APICS); • Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM); • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP. 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. “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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