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Global Commodity Manager - Electrical

Generac · IL · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.

About your past

Tell me about a supplier negotiation you led. What did you get and what did you give?

What they are checking: Whether they negotiate well and can explain the tradeoffs they made.

Tell me about a time you worked with engineering to change a design to lower cost.

What they are checking: Whether they can partner with engineering on value improvements.

Tell me about a supplier you developed into a stronger partner.

What they are checking: Whether they invest in supplier development, which the role champions.

What would you do

A key electrical supplier is falling behind on delivery and quality. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they use data to drive corrective action and plan alternatives.

How do you reduce supply risk for electrical parts that only come from one source?

What they are checking: Whether they manage single-source risk with dual sourcing, buffers or design changes.

How would you explain your commodity strategy to leaders who are not in purchasing?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate strategy clearly across the business.

About the work

How would you build a commodity strategy for electrical components like wiring, switches and controls?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze spend, supply base and risk to set a clear plan.

How do you deliver material cost savings without hurting quality or supply?

What they are checking: Whether they balance cost with total value and risk.

How do you run a quarterly business review with a supplier?

What they are checking: Whether they use QBRs to drive improvement, not just to review numbers.

How do you track global market trends that affect electrical component prices?

What they are checking: Whether they watch raw materials and market shifts to plan ahead.

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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 Global Commodity Manager- Electrical is responsible for the strategic management of assigned commodities and products worldwide by working with cross-functional teams and owning the supplier process and the supplier performance. This role also manages the creation and execution of sourcing strategies that produce tangible value through the implementation of process and projects that yield a reduced total cost of material acquisition, revenue and gross margin improvement, supply base alignment, enhanced product quality, and overall reduction of risk. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : • Identify and deliver material cost productivity to the cost of goods sold leveraging continuous improvement methodologies • Define and communicate commodity and supplier strategies • Manage supplier expectations and performance, driving corrective action and improvements as prescribed using data analytics • Develop, negotiate, and execute agreement with suppliers • Champion supplier development and quarterly business reviews. • Define and communicate the commodity strategy. • Ensure that all procurement is in compliance with all applicable regulations and laws related to procurement practices and in accordance with standard practices. • Evaluate current and new suppliers to develop and improve service levels in search of continuous improvements regarding total cost and efficiency. • Negotiate Master Supply Agreements to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of expenditure and focus on obtainment of high inventory turns. • Optimize the supply chain of goods and services from our suppliers through to our customers by focusing on lead time reduction. • Participate and/or lead cross-functional teams related to quality, price, inventories and availability of materials. • Report on supplier and commodity market analysis by monitoring trends. • Participate in Supplier quality audits for conformance to corporate requirements. • Own and update the supplier scorecards. • Act as SAP Super User within functional area as assigned. • Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience • 6 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, supplier quality or operational management • Ability to travel both domestic and internationally, up to 30% of the time Preferred Qualifications: • MBA preferred • Previous experience with continuous improvement, Six Sigma Concepts and methodologies; • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP • Experience sourcing printed circuit board assemblies in a global EMS supply base model Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to professionally and effectively interact with all stakeholders both internal and external at any level of the organization. • Demonstrated skills in cost reduction and bidding techniques to maximize value; • Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers; • Thorough knowledge of purchasing techniques including strategic supplier concepts; • Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment; • Knowledge of supplier contracts, product conformity, quality toolbox, and problem-solving methodologies; • Demonstrated ability to assess critical market dynamics, including end to end industry assessments and analysis of the competitive landscape for engines; • Ability to identify market and supply risks / liabilities and develop contingency plans; • Track, report, and reconcile all material price variation (EPPV) and purchase price variation (APPV) to financial teams; • Highly self-motivated, ability to work well under pressure, maintain composure during rapidly changing situations, analyze situations and take effective actions to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment; • ERP knowledge. 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. Great Reasons to work for Generac: • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more • State-of-the-art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities • Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers • Eligible for summer hours! (Memorial Day – Labor Day) • Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line while others go right into storm-affected areas to repair generators • We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days. • Every day is Jeans Day! Dress for your day. • Product loan and discount programs “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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