JobsGenerac

Manager, Materials

Generac · Belvidere, IL

Posted Aug 17, 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 pull-based lean system, like a supermarket or two-bin kanban, from scratch. What was the problem you were solving and how did you know it worked?

real experience implementing lean systems versus reciting lean vocabulary

Tell me about a time your cycle count program uncovered a systemic inventory accuracy problem. What did you find and how did you fix the root cause?

whether inventory control experience goes beyond counting to root-cause problem solving

Describe a continuous improvement event you led on material flow. What was the before and after, and what resistance did you run into?

ability to lead kaizen-style events and manage the people side of change, not just the technical redesign

Tell me about a time you had to manage material flow across multiple shifts and the handoff between shifts was breaking down. What did you do?

experience managing 24-hour warehouse operations and shift accountability

How do you go about hiring and developing forklift drivers and material supervisors so the team can run without you constantly stepping in?

people management track record versus purely operational skill

Technical

Walk me through how you built or maintained a Plan for Every Part database at a previous plant. What went into it and how did the team actually use it day to day?

whether the candidate has hands-on PFEP experience versus just familiarity with the term

How would you set up runner, repeater, and stranger replenishment for a production line that has both high-volume steady parts and occasional low-volume specials?

depth of understanding of heijunka and segmented replenishment strategy, not just buzzword recognition

How do you decide when excess or obsolete material should be written off versus reworked or reallocated, and who needs to sign off on that in your experience?

understanding of E&O process and financial accountability, tied to the posting's mention of financial measurements

What financial metrics did you own in your last role, like inventory turns or carrying cost, and how did you move the needle on one of them?

whether the candidate connects daily materials work to the financial accountability the posting expects at this salary level

Situational

Say you inherit a plant where forklift traffic is high and material handlers are constantly expediting parts to the line. Where do you start and what would you change in the first 90 days?

practical approach to reducing forklift dependency and firefighting, a specific pain point named in the posting

You're the SAP super user for your area and a transaction error is causing incorrect inventory reporting during a production run. What do you do in the moment and how do you prevent it going forward?

comfort with SAP as a system owner, not just a user, and ability to troubleshoot under time pressure

If corporate wants to standardize a materials process across sites but your plant's setup makes that standard impractical, how do you handle that conversation?

ability to balance local operational reality against corporate strategy, since the role reports into a corporate materials function

Tell me about a time you had to switch a line from high-mix low-volume to high-volume low-mix, or vice versa. What changed in how you managed materials?

adaptability across different production environments, called out specifically in the posting

A supplier keeps sending parts that fail incoming inspection, and it's disrupting your line-side presentation schedule. Walk me through how you'd resolve this with the supplier and keep production running in the meantime.

supplier management skills and ability to protect production continuity simultaneously

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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 Manager, Materials is responsible for material flow from receiving/inspection to line side presentation for production including end-of-line pick, pack and ship. This position is responsible for driving a safety environment, significant continuous improvement initiatives, elimination of waste, efficiency improvements, reduction of fork lift requirements in material handling, cycle counting and timely transactional reporting.  This role is also responsible for ongoing improvements in delivery performance (internal and external), and uninterrupted material movement for production lines with efficient use of labor resources. Major Responsibilities     • Work with material handling team to ensure material flow from incoming receiving/inspection to line side presentation for production including end-of-line pick, pack & ship (incoming receiving/inspection, offsite raw warehousing storage & control) is ready for production.   • Created and managed a Plan for Every Part (PFEP) database utilized in day-to-day operations   • Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of lean pull based systems   • Implemented and managed day to day operations using supermarkets, 2 bin Kanban’s, tugger routes, point of use delivery in a 5S environment   • Managed material flow involving Work in Process (WIP) markets with pull based replenishment linked to production scheduling processes of level scheduling ( heijunka ), change over optimization and runner/repeater/stranger replenishment   • Oversee inventory management and control, accuracy, and established inventory guidelines and procedures.   • Ensures efficient and accurate materials presentation to support production operations.   • Oversee process execution for excess and obsolete materials.   • Manage and optimize daily warehousing operations across multiple shifts including staging, cycle count, receiving, storage of materials, shipping of finished goods and in-direct materials.   • Mentor and guide project team members to deliver on the project/program requirements.   • Act as liaison or support collaborations with customers and suppliers on a day-to-day basis to resolve any product/program manufacturing quality issues.   • Actively lead or participate in Failure Mode Effect Analysis teams.   • Plan and lead refresher activities and forums for continual learning.   • Work with Corporate materials team on strategy and process implementation    • Lead Continuous Improvements events related to Making Material Flow   • Demonstrate personal flexibility in approach and ideas and respond positively and support changes in procedures, process, technology, responsibility and assignments.   • Accountable for defining resource needs and works within budget and staffing parameters to accomplish objectives for area of responsibility.   • Supervise material handling team, including forklift drivers and material supervisors .  Interview, hire, train, coach and develop direct reports .     • Act as SAP Super user within functional area as assigned     Minimum Job Requirements   • Bachelor's degree in Engineering , Business, Supply Chain or equivalent experience     • 5 years of progressive Operations management experience in similar work environment.   • Transformational leadership using lean principles utilizing Plan For Every Part   Preferred Qualification • Demonstrated understanding and application of lean manufacturing principles;   • Effective verbal and written communication skills;   • Ability to collaborate with multiple sites    • Ability to operate in high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix production environments;   • Successfully manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast paced environment;   • Solid quantitative skill set and the ability to analyze, think and communicate with well-supported data;   • Demonstrated understanding of financial measurements and goals    • K nowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis skills;   • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP   • Experience in international logistics   • Transformational leadership using lean principles       Physical Requirements and Working Conditions   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 the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel. (If travel percentage is required beyond occasional or is a regular part of the job, include “Up to x% travel and valid Driver’s License required.”)        Production Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand .  The employee is frequently required to use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; and to talk and hear .  The employee is regularly required to walk, stoop, crouch, bend and reach above shoulders .  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance , waist high, up to 10 feet away .  This job's specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working in the typical conditions of a manufacturing environment, including seasonal variations in temperatures and occasional exposure to manufacturing fumes or byproducts . The employee must comply with the assigned location PPE requirements, including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, appropriate gloves , clothing, and shields for required tasks, and closed- toed or safety shoes as required by facility safety policies. The employee must be able to work in varying weather conditions including extreme heat, snow, and ice. The employee may be required to obtain a DOT Medical Card and have the ability to drive a heavy-duty truck on a daily basis .     Generac is committed to fair and   equitable   compensation practices .    The salary range for this role based in Belvidere, IL is $ 108,500   - $ 162,000 USD .    This compensation will   ultimately be   in line with the location in which the position is filled .    Final compensation for this role will be   determined   by   various factors   such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills,   certifications   and geographic location .    This role is eligible for variable   compensation   including   short-term   and long-term incentives.      This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long-term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts,   accrued   paid time off, 8 paid Holidays and 401(k) retirement benefits . “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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