JobsGenerac

Materials Manager

Generac · Berlin, WI

Posted Aug 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

Apply at Generac

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 lean pull system from scratch, maybe with kanban or supermarkets. What did the material flow look like before and after?

real hands-on experience implementing pull systems, not textbook knowledge

Tell me about a time you had to reduce forklift traffic or fork lift dependency in a warehouse. What did you replace it with?

specific experience with the exact improvement this job calls out, not general safety talk

Describe a time your inventory accuracy was off and it caused a real problem on the floor. What did you find when you dug in, and what did you change?

root cause discipline around cycle counting and inventory control, not just reporting numbers

Tell me about a time you had to manage material flow across multiple shifts where handoffs weren't going smoothly. What did you do?

ability to manage continuity and communication across shift boundaries

Tell me about a direct report, maybe a forklift driver or supervisor, who was struggling. How did you coach them, and what happened?

people management and development skill for a role that supervises hourly material handlers

Technical

Walk me through how you built and maintained a Plan for Every Part database at a previous site. What went into it and who used it day to day?

whether they've actually owned a PFEP system versus just heard of one

How do you decide between a two-bin kanban, a tugger route, or point-of-use delivery for a given part?

depth of practical knowledge across different replenishment methods, not just familiarity with terms

How have you used runner, repeater, stranger classification to set up replenishment, and how did that change your changeover approach?

whether they understand heijunka-linked scheduling concepts well enough to apply them

Tell me about your experience as an SAP super user. What kinds of issues did people come to you to solve?

actual system ownership versus casual end-user familiarity

How do you approach leading a continuous improvement event on the floor, from picking the target to getting buy-in from the material handling team?

practical kaizen facilitation skill versus theoretical CI knowledge

Situational

Say you've got a production line that keeps stopping because material isn't showing up line side on time. How would you diagnose what's actually broken in the flow?

structured problem-solving approach to material flow disruptions

You've got excess and obsolete material piling up in the warehouse. Walk me through how you'd get that process under control.

whether they have a practical process for E&O rather than treating it as background noise

A supplier keeps sending material that fails inspection and it's disrupting your line. How do you work with them and with your quality team to fix it?

cross-functional problem solving with suppliers and comfort engaging in FMEA-type root cause work

How do you balance running lean, minimal inventory with the risk of running production lines dry, especially when you're supporting both high mix low volume and high volume low mix at the same time?

judgment in tradeoffs between efficiency goals and production continuity across different environments

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Generac from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

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. 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 Qualifications: • 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   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • 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;     Preferred Job Qualifications: • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP   • Experience in international logistics   • Transformational leadership using lean principles       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 include 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.”

Apply at Generac

Related jobs

New Product Sourcing Specialist - Purchasing

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Intern Engineering - Advanced Manufacturing

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Mechanical Engineer II

Generac · Sussex, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Material Handler - Weekend Shift

Generac · Whitewater, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Inside Sales Representative Residential

Generac · Pewaukee, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Industrial Engineer I

Generac · Beaver Dam, WI

Posted Sep 16 · Verified Sep 20