JobsGenerac

Manager Material Flow

Generac · Sussex, WI

Posted Jun 3, 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 designed a raw material supermarket and delivery route from the ground up. What did the before and after look like?

real hands-on lean material flow design experience versus theoretical knowledge

Give me an example of a KPI dashboard or MDI board you built to track material throughput or cash flow. What did leadership actually do differently because of it?

whether their metrics work drove real decisions or just sat on a wall

Tell me about a time you had to change how operators received parts at their station and they pushed back. How did you handle it?

change management skill and whether they involve the people affected or impose solutions

Describe a time your material flow strategy improved cash flow, not just efficiency. How did you measure and prove that impact?

whether they connect operational work to financial outcomes, which the posting explicitly cares about

Tell me about a time you had to present a complex material flow problem to senior leadership who didn't have the operational background. How did you adjust your message?

ability to translate technical detail for executive audiences, called out explicitly in the posting

Technical

Walk me through how you would build a 4-wall PFEP for a facility that doesn't have one today. Where do you start and what does the finished output look like?

whether the candidate has actually built a PFEP from scratch versus just maintaining one someone else designed

How do you decide what goes into a WIP optimizer and how do you set the sequencing logic between assembly and sub-assembly?

depth of understanding of pull-based scheduling mechanics, not just familiarity with the term

What's your experience with SAP and a WMS specifically around inventory transactions, barcoding, or RFID? Where have you seen those systems fall short in practice?

genuine system-level fluency versus surface familiarity with the tools listed

How would you set up pull signals from finished goods inventory back into production to keep inventory levels right without starving the line?

understanding of pull system design and its tradeoffs between service level and inventory cost

Situational

Say cycle count accuracy comes back consistently low in one area of the plant even after retraining. What's your next move?

whether they default to root-cause problem solving or just re-issue the same fix

You're brought in to fix material flow but Purchasing, Quality, and Production each have a different theory about what's causing late deliveries. How do you get everyone aligned on one plan?

ability to lead cross-functional resolution without formal authority over those functions

You inherit a plant supply chain manager and their team who are behind on an improvement initiative. How do you coach them without just taking the project over yourself?

coaching and people development capability versus a tendency to do the work themselves

How do you decide what to standardize across plants versus what you leave to local judgment when rolling out material flow best practices?

judgment on scaling a standard playbook across a matrixed, multi-site organization

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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 Materials Flow Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining end-to-end material flow strategies that ensure the right materials are available at the right place, time, quantity, quality, and presentation across manufacturing and distribution operations. This role leads the development of lean material flow systems, optimizes inventory and throughput, and partners cross-functionally to drive operational excellence, cash flow improvement, and scalable growth in a discrete manufacturing environment. Responsibilities • Develop and execute material flow strategies that consistently support production and distribution requirements. • Design and implement a comprehensive 4-wall PFEP (Plan for Every Part) , defining material storage, movement, and presentation throughout manufacturing facilities. • Oversee end-to-end material flow from inbound supplier materials through outbound finished goods shipping, including finished goods inventory levels and pull signals into production. • Design and implement raw material supermarkets, delivery routes, and standardized material presentation to production work functions. • Define and implement efficient, accurate material presentation methods that support operator productivity and flow. • Develop and deploy WIP Optimizers and pull-based scheduling systems to optimize sequencing, changeovers, and quantities between Assembly and Sub-Assembly. • Define and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using MDI and visual management to monitor material throughput, inventory accuracy, and cash flow. • Oversee inventory movement processes, material control, accuracy, and adherence to established inventory guidelines and procedures. • Partner with Quality, Purchasing, Production, and other stakeholders to resolve customer quality and delivery issues while achieving operational objectives and KPIs. • Develop and implement processes and systems that optimize daily warehousing operations, including staging, picking, cycle counting, and material storage. • Lead implementation of material and inventory management best practices, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), cycle count accuracy, transactions, barcoding, RFID, and fill rate improvement. • Collaborate with Distribution leadership and GBPO teams to leverage WMS capabilities to improve material flow. • Support materials organization capability building through training, coaching, mentoring, and certification of materials and supply chain teams. • Coach, mentor, and develop plant Supply Chain Managers and their teams in executing improvement initiatives and achieving performance targets. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience. • Minimum 10 years of progressive supply chain experience . • Minimum 5 years of experience in material control systems and processes . • Minimum 5 years of Lean material and information flow experience in a discrete manufacturing environment. Preferred Qualifications • Advanced degree in Engineering or Business Administration. • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification • Strong change management and influencing skills in a matrixed, cross-functional environment. • Ability to clearly present complex information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership. • Proven ability to influence across cultures, functions, and geographies. • Strong verbal and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across business units and organizational levels. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills. • Experience working with cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority. • Working knowledge of SAP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) preferred. 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  • 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  • Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community-minded and dedicated to giving back. The company proudly offers a Volunteer Time Off program, inviting team members to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities on company time.  • 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.   • We’re an inclusive company that celebrates differences and keeps equity and respect at the forefront.  “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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