JobsGenerac

Director Inbound Distribution

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Aug 23, 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 you redesigned a distribution network footprint. What drove the decision and how did you validate the new model before committing to it?

whether the candidate has actually led footprint strategy work versus just operating within an existing network

Tell me about a time you had to cut distribution costs while service levels were under pressure from the business. How did you balance those two things?

ability to manage the classic cost-versus-service tradeoff without sacrificing one blindly for the other

Describe a project where you implemented Lean principles in a warehouse or distribution setting. What was the before-and-after result?

whether Lean experience is real and quantifiable or just a resume keyword

Tell me about a time you had to influence a manufacturing or supply chain leader in another business group who didn't report to you, to get alignment on a distribution decision.

ability to operate in a matrix environment and drive outcomes without direct authority

Tell me about a time you had to develop or turn around a leader on your team who was struggling. What did you do and what was the outcome?

people leadership and coaching skill, since this role manages a geographically dispersed leadership team

Describe the most complex cross-functional conflict you've navigated between logistics, manufacturing, and sales around inventory or service priorities. How did you resolve it?

conflict management skill in a multi-stakeholder, competing-priorities environment

Technical

What metrics would you put in place to standardize how you judge transportation sourcing, transportation execution, and distribution execution across a network this size, and why those specific ones?

depth of hands-on knowledge of KPIs and whether they can design a measurement system rather than just quote generic metrics

How have you used WMS or TMS data to catch a problem before it became a customer-facing issue?

comfort with distribution technology and whether they use data proactively versus reactively

How do you typically build a business case for capital investment in automation or material handling technology, and how do you handle it when finance pushes back on the payback timeline?

financial literacy and ability to sell capital projects internally

Situational

Say you inherit a network where half the distribution centers are company-owned and half are run by 3PLs, and the 3PL sites are consistently underperforming on cost and service. How would you diagnose the problem and what would you do in the first 90 days?

practical approach to mixed internal/3PL operations and whether they jump to conclusions or investigate first

You're rolling out a new WMS or automation solution across multiple distribution centers, but one site's leadership is resistant and dragging their feet. How do you handle that?

change management skill and how they handle resistance from a peer-level or subordinate site leader

If Generac's finished goods inventory strategy shifted overnight from make-to-stock to a leaner, faster-turn model, what would that mean for your warehouse footprint and staffing plan?

strategic thinking about how upstream supply chain decisions cascade into distribution operations

You get a call that a major DC has had a safety incident. Walk me through what you do in the first hour and in the following weeks.

safety culture priorities and crisis response under real operational pressure

Practice this interview out loud.

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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? Generac is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Distribution to lead our North American distribution network and drive best-in-class fulfillment operations across a complex, multi-site environment. This high-impact leadership role is responsible for overseeing warehousing, distribution, transportation coordination, and third-party logistics partners to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products to customers. The Director of Distribution will provide strategic direction for all distribution center operations, championing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, optimize costs, improve service levels, and strengthen operational performance. This leader will play a critical role in advancing Generac's supply chain capabilities through the implementation of innovative technologies, including warehouse management systems (WMS), automation solutions, RFID, and material handling technologies. Leading a geographically dispersed leadership team across North America, the Director will build a culture of operational excellence, safety, accountability, and customer focus while supporting Generac's continued growth and transformation. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: • Change manage, and execute optimization of Generac’s global, make-to-stock finished goods and raw materials warehouse footprint.   • Optimize service and total cost of ownership across multiple business groups, product lines and geographies.   • Collaborate with Manufacturing, supply, and logistics leaders across strategic business groups to assess needs, identify price and consumption opportunities, and develop processes to achieve short-term and long-term business objectives • Develop, implement, and continuously improve warehouse policies, processes, and technologies to achieve people, quality, velocity, productivity, and cash objectives  Identify and implement standardized metrics, tools, and processes to continuously improve:   transportation sourcing and supplier performance transportation execution performance distribution execution performance • Designs and directs the work of the functional area. Selects, coaches and develops the team, setting objectives that align with company strategy to inspire and motivate the team. • Manages organizational talent through performance management, succession planning and development. • Designs and directs processes by which team and individual performance are recognized, feedback is consistently delivered, and performance is systematically improved. • Oversee, monitor, coach and problem solve to deliver improvements in Generac’s distribution costs, cash, lead-time, and service with our warehouse operator base (internal and outsourced/3PL) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field OR equivalent experience  • 10 years of distribution experience in distribution footprint/network strategy, distribution operations excellence, 3PL/4PL management, and distribution and transportation technologies (WMS, TMS, FBAP) • 5 years’ leadership experience managing teams across a global multi-site distribution network PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  • Master’s Degree in Engineering, Business or Supply Chain • Demonstrated implementation experience in and results from Lean principles and methods • Lean, Operations or Supply Chain Certifications • Experience designing and delivering training  • Experience implementing automated manufacturing processes and systems • Experience with software solutions (ERP: SAP/Oracle, WMS) • Information management experience including analysis of data • Demonstrated experience in leadership with a diversity of team skills ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Change manage, and execute optimization of Generac’s global, make-to-stock finished goods and raw materials warehouse footprint.   Optimize service and total cost of ownership across multiple business groups, product lines and geographies.   Collaborate with Manufacturing, supply, and logistics leaders across strategic business groups to assess needs, identify price and consumption opportunities, and develop processes to achieve short-term and long-term business objectives Develop, implement, and continuously improve warehouse policies, processes, and technologies to achieve people, quality, velocity, productivity, and cash objectives  Identify and implement standardized metrics, tools, and processes to continuously improve:  transportation sourcing and supplier performance transportation execution performance distribution execution performance Designs and directs the work of the functional area. Selects, coaches and develops the team, setting objectives that align with company strategy to inspire and motivate the team. Manages organizational talent through performance management, succession planning and development. Designs and directs processes by which team and individual performance are recognized, feedback is consistently delivered, and performance is systematically improved. Oversee, monitor, coach and problem solve to deliver improvements in Generac’s distribution costs, cash, lead-time, and service with our warehouse operator base (internal and outsourced/3PL) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Strong influence and change management skills with specific experience in a matrix environment with cross-functional stakeholders  • Ability to present information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences • Ability to work collaboratively across business units’ hierarchy and functions • Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams with proven abilities to influence others • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external customers • Ability to identify and resolve high complexity process/system problems  • Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment  • Strong conflict management and problem-solving skills • Strong understanding of basic financial practices and budget management • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, with excellent Excel 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 are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting; close vision and ability to adjust focus. 30% travel to Generac DC locations.     “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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