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This position has closed. Generac removed this listing from their careers page on Sep 20, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Material Handler III (Team Lead) - 1st Shift

Generac · Richfield, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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 time you trained a new employee on a work instruction or standard work process. How did you make sure it stuck?

What they are checking: real training experience versus just claiming the skill, since this role leads training for the team

Describe a problem you ran into on the floor that you solved using something like 5 Why, 8D, or PDCA. What was the root cause and what changed after?

What they are checking: whether they've genuinely applied structured root cause tools, not just heard of them

Tell me about a time you had to flex between different product lines or work areas on short notice. How did you handle picking up something unfamiliar quickly?

What they are checking: adaptability and cross-training readiness, which this posting repeatedly emphasizes

Tell me about a time you suggested a change to a process or piece of equipment that ended up improving safety, quality, or productivity. Did it get adopted?

What they are checking: proactive improvement mindset versus someone who just follows instructions as given

Have you ever had to give a coworker feedback because their work wasn't matching the standard work instructions? How did that conversation go?

What they are checking: comfort with peer accountability, which a team lead needs without formal disciplinary power

What would you do

Say a production line is about to run out of a part and the ERP system shows inventory that isn't actually on the shelf. What do you do in that moment?

What they are checking: ability to act with initiative under time pressure without waiting for a supervisor to solve it

If two team members disagree on the right way to stage parts for an assembly line, and both ways technically work, how would you handle that as the lead?

What they are checking: informal leadership and judgment calls without formal authority, since this is a team lead role reporting to a supervisor

How do you decide what to prioritize when you're the only material handler covering multiple assembly areas and requests are stacking up?

What they are checking: self-reliance and workload judgment called out directly in the Material Handler III requirements

About the work

Walk me through your background with forklift operation and material handling in a manufacturing or distribution setting. How many years, and what kind of equipment have you run?

What they are checking: whether actual hands-on tenure and equipment variety match the 2-5 year requirement for this level

How comfortable are you with SAP or a similar ERP system like Oracle, JD Edwards, or Microsoft Dynamics? What kinds of transactions have you done in one?

What they are checking: concrete system fluency versus vague familiarity, since the role requires proficient ERP transactions

What does a daily forklift inspection actually involve for you, and what would make you pull a piece of equipment out of service?

What they are checking: real safety habits versus rote knowledge of a checklist

What's your experience working at heights or in areas where attention to detail really mattered for safety?

What they are checking: honesty about physical job demands and safety seriousness, since the role involves reaching and working near equipment

Practice this interview out loud.

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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? Hours: 6:00am-2:00pm Monday-Friday Job Summary: The Material Handler Team Lead will be responsible for all material handling needs, primarily picking warehoused parts, and delivering to assembly areas to ensure efficient production. Work closely with production lines to ensure full utilization of people, materials, and equipment to meet customer demand. The Material Handler will be required to achieve company standards for safety, quality, and productivity. Major Responsibilities Material Handler I • Learn and follow established principles, practices, procedures, processes, and policies. • Learning to operate a forklift or other equipment to transport materials within the facility. • Developing a good knowledge of the company for the full scope of the role and may be assigned to projects for career development. • Resolves problems with assistance from peers or supervisors depending on the level and complexity. • Communicate effectively with immediate supervisor and other members of the team. • Flex across different products and areas to support business needs. • Perform forklift daily inspections. • Accepts responsibility for own actions, follows through on commitments. • Participate in team meetings and exchange job related information. • Demonstrates attention to detail, attendance, and quality. • Perform safe and effective operation of all equipment needed to perform job function. • Practice safe working habits, following safety guidelines to operation and support of company initiatives. • Know the basic functions of the ERP system. • May assist in training new employees or employees learning new work areas. • Actively understands and participates with the Drive to Zero program. • Other duties as assigned. Material Handler II • Material Handler I responsibilities. • Efficiently use equipment to transport materials. • Resolve issues and recommend solutions to leadership team. • Participate in project teams and/or lead portions of continuous improvement projects. • Demonstrates working knowledge of the basic principles, practices and processes in the applicable discipline and has a working knowledge of related fields. • Resolve routine to moderately complex problems by applying established procedures and best practices. • Frequently interact with supervisors and team members and collaborate with cross-functional partners to complete assignments. • Contributes to improving processes, lead times, through-out, and cost. • Knows all functions of at least one job or cross-trained in other materials areas. Material Handler III • Material Handler I & II responsibilities • Cross-trained in different areas of need. • Provide training to new employees or employees learning new work areas according to work instructions in support of Materials. • Proficiently access information and perform transactions as needed within ERP system. • Use initiative and judgment to lead problem solving and implement appropriate countermeasures. • Suggest and implement improvements to existing equipment and/or designs to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. • Ability to be self-reliant with minimal direction; capable of assessing workload needs. Minimum Job Requirements PRODUCTION MATERIAL HANDLERS Material Handler I • Ability to operate or learn to operate material handling equipment. • Ability to identify and resolve basic problems. • Ability to effectively work in a team environment. • Models positive and professional work ethics. • Effective communication skills. Material Handler II • Material Handler I requirements • 1 year of material handling experience • Ability to use advanced troubleshooting within the materials environment. • Ability to train other employees in established processes. • Problem solving skills and interfacing with other departments. • Strong communication skills. Material Handler III • Material Handler I & II requirements. • 2 years of material handling/forklift operation experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment DISTRIBUTION MATERIAL HANDLERS Material Handler I • Ability to operate or learn to operate material handling equipment. • Ability to identify and resolve basic problems. • Ability to effectively work in a team environment. • Models positive and professional work ethics. • Effective communication skills. • Read and understand work instructions. Material Handler II • Material Handler I requirements • 2 years of material handling/warehouse experience • Ability to use advanced troubleshooting within the materials environment. • Ability to train other employees in established processes. • Problem solving skills and interfacing with other departments. • Strong communication skills. Material Handler III • Material Handler I & II requirements. • 5 years of material handling/forklift operation experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment. Preferred Job Requirements Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Material Handler I & II • Basic problem-solving knowledge. • Ability to perform basic reading, writing, and math functions. • Basic PC knowledge. • High level of attention to detail and accuracy. • Ability to work at heights. Material Handler III • Material Handler I & II requirements. • Demonstrated experience in root cause problem solving (5 Why, 8D, PDCA, etc.) • Demonstrated experience effectively training other employees to work instructions/standard work. • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP system (Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics) Level of Independence : Acts under the direction and supervision of the Materials Lead, Supervisor, or Manager 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 - 50 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. Occasional travel. “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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