JobsGenerac

Global Commodity Manager - Metal Fabrication

Generac · Waukesha, IL

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

Tell me about a time you negotiated a master supply agreement that didn't go the way you expected. What did you do when the supplier pushed back hard?

real negotiation experience and composure under pushback, not rehearsed win stories

Tell me about a supplier quality audit you were part of that turned up a real problem. What happened after you found it?

whether they follow through on findings rather than just checking a compliance box

Describe a time you had to lead a cross-functional team on a quality or supply issue where engineering, quality, and procurement didn't agree on the path forward.

cross-functional influence without formal authority

Tell me about a cost reduction project where the obvious answer, like just pushing for a lower unit price, wasn't the right one. What did you do instead?

sophistication in total cost thinking beyond simple price negotiation

Technical

Walk me through a metal fabrication commodity strategy you built from scratch. What data did you use and how did it change once you put it into practice?

whether the candidate can actually construct a category strategy versus just executing one someone else designed

How do you track and explain material price variance and purchase price variance to a finance team that doesn't speak procurement?

fluency with EPPV/APPV reporting and ability to translate procurement numbers for non-procurement stakeholders

What metal fabrication processes have you sourced before, and how did the process itself change how you evaluated suppliers?

depth of actual metal fabrication knowledge versus generic sourcing background

How do you build and use a supplier scorecard so it actually drives supplier behavior instead of sitting in a folder?

practical understanding of performance management tools versus paperwork compliance

What ERP systems have you worked in day to day, and can you give an example of a sourcing decision you made using data pulled straight from one?

real hands-on ERP fluency, ideally SAP, versus surface familiarity

How have you used Six Sigma or continuous improvement methods in a procurement or supplier development setting?

whether continuous improvement experience is applied and specific or just a resume line

Situational

Say a key stamping or fabrication supplier suddenly can't hit lead times and your production line is a few weeks from running out of parts. What do you do first?

crisis prioritization and whether they lean on relationships and dual-sourcing versus panic escalation

If a market shift, like a steel price spike or a single-source supplier going through financial trouble, put your commodity at risk, how would you build a contingency plan before it becomes a crisis?

proactive risk assessment versus reactive firefighting

You're 30 percent of the time traveling to suppliers, some of them international. How do you decide which supplier relationships need an in-person visit versus a phone call or email?

judgment about resource allocation and relationship management priorities

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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 is responsible for the strategic management of assigned commodities and products worldwide by working with cross-functional teams and owning the commodity strategy, supplier relationship and the supplier performance. This role also manages the 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: • 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. • 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 Additional Qualifications: • 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 tool box, 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. Preferred Qualifications: • Strong knowledge of different metal fabrication processes • Previous experience with commodity management •  continuous improvement, Six Sigma Concepts and methodologies; • 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 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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