JobsGenerac

Human Resources Generalist

Generac · Sussex, WI

Posted Aug 18, 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 handled an employee relations issue on a manufacturing floor. What happened and how did you approach it?

whether the candidate can navigate sensitive people issues with judgment and fairness in a shop-floor setting

Tell me about a new HR process or program you helped roll out. What was your role and what pushback, if any, did you get?

experience driving change and managing resistance in an established workforce

Describe a situation where you had to keep something confidential even though people around you were asking questions.

trustworthiness in handling sensitive employee information

Tell me about a time you had to juggle several urgent HR requests from different departments at once. How did you prioritize?

ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced, generalist role

How do you approach building trust with hourly employees who may be wary of HR?

interpersonal skill and credibility-building across all levels of the organization, especially on the plant floor

Have you supported employee engagement events or activities before? What worked and what didn't?

practical experience running programs that build culture, not just administering policy

Technical

What experience do you have with Workday or similar HRIS systems, and what kinds of transactions have you handled in it?

hands-on familiarity with the specific HR system used to process employee data

How do you stay current on federal, state, and local employment laws, and can you give an example of catching a compliance issue before it became a problem?

depth of regulatory knowledge and proactive compliance habits, not just reactive fixes

How would you go about administering a compensation review or job evaluation for a group of employees you don't know well?

grasp of compensation fundamentals and ability to apply them fairly and consistently

Situational

Walk me through how you would support a hiring manager who needs to fill several hourly production roles quickly during a busy season.

understanding of high-volume hourly recruiting and partnering with talent acquisition under time pressure

A supervisor comes to you frustrated because an employee keeps showing up late and it's affecting the line. How do you handle that conversation with the supervisor and the employee?

ability to coach managers while balancing policy enforcement with employee support

If you had to design an orientation program for new manufacturing hires, what would the first day look like?

practical understanding of onboarding and its role in early retention

What would you do if you noticed engagement or morale slipping in one area of the plant, even though no one had filed a formal complaint?

initiative and ability to read the pulse of the workforce beyond reactive HR work

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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 HR Generalist serves as a key member of the Human Resources team, supporting Generac's Sussex, Wisconsin manufacturing facility by delivering high-quality HR services that enhance employee engagement, workforce effectiveness, and operational performance. The HR Generalist partners closely with hiring managers and the Talent Acquisition team to support recruiting and onboarding efforts, helping ensure the facility attracts and retains top talent. The role also assists with employee orientation, site events, engagement activities, training programs, and other initiatives designed to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate is proactive, customer-focused, and passionate about supporting employees while helping drive a safe, engaged, and productive manufacturing workforce. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience and contribute to the continued growth and success of Generac's Sussex manufacturing operations. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES: • Partner with internal customer groups to ensure coordination of HR programs and processes within a specific business function or segment of the company. • Implement and enforce programs and policies that drive employee engagement and performance. • Act as a trusted advisor for supervisors and managers regarding employee relations, training and development of their teams. • Administer compensation programs, salary planning, and job evaluations. • Collaborate with Talent Acquisition Team for staffing and to drive employment-branding initiatives.  • Ensure personal and company compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations; ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. • Coordinate and support training initiatives for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. Education • Bachelor’s Degree in HR or related field OR equivalent experience Work Experience • 2 years of HR experience within a fast-paced working environment. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders. • Handle sensitive employee information and maintain confidentiality at all times Preferred Job Requirements Certification / License • PHR certification Work Experience • Workday Experience • Previous experience in manufacturing • Experience implementing new HR processes and programs. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Experience recruiting hourly manufacturing employees in a seasonal environment and/or experience recruiting professional and technical employees. • Work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities or organizational needs. • Accurately maintain employee records, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements. • Provide excellent service to employees by addressing their HR needs, concerns, and inquiries promptly and professionally . “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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