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Senior Human Resources Generalist- Manufacturing

Generac · Whitewater, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.

About your past

Walk me through a time you handled a complex employee relations issue that involved a formal investigation. What did you do and how did it turn out?

What they are checking: whether the candidate can run a fair, thorough, well-documented investigation rather than react emotionally

Tell me about a situation where you mediated a conflict between an employee and a manager on the plant floor. What was the outcome?

What they are checking: comfort operating in a manufacturing environment and ability to stay neutral while resolving real conflict

Describe a time you built or ran a leadership development program for managers. What need did it address and how did you measure success?

What they are checking: ability to design programs tied to actual business gaps, not just deliver generic training

Tell me about a time you mentored a less experienced HR team member through a tough situation. What did you teach them?

What they are checking: leadership style and whether they build capability in others, since the role includes mentoring junior staff

Describe a major organizational change you supported, like a restructuring or new process rollout. How did you communicate it and manage the employee reaction?

What they are checking: skill at managing change communication and reading employee sentiment during disruption

What does a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment look like to you, and how have you managed shifting priorities or deadlines in one?

What they are checking: whether their pace and adaptability match Generac's operating tempo

What would you do

Say a shift supervisor comes to you frustrated because two employees keep getting into disputes that are affecting production. How would you approach it?

What they are checking: practical problem-solving skill and understanding of how HR issues intersect with production pressure

If a department head wanted to promote someone whose pay would jump far outside the normal range for that role, what would you tell them?

What they are checking: willingness to push back on leadership using data and policy rather than deferring to authority

Imagine a plant manager wants to move fast on a decision that you believe creates legal risk. How do you push back while keeping the relationship intact?

What they are checking: ability to influence senior leaders and balance compliance against business urgency

How would you approach building an onboarding or engagement event for a manufacturing site that has a very different culture than a corporate office?

What they are checking: ability to tailor employee experience programs to a manufacturing workforce rather than a one-size-fits-all approach

About the work

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

What they are checking: depth of compliance knowledge and whether they are proactive versus reactive

Tell me about a compensation or job evaluation project you led. How did you decide on the right structure or pay level?

What they are checking: hands-on knowledge of compensation administration and salary planning methodology

What is your experience with Workday, and what have you used it for day to day?

What they are checking: actual system fluency versus surface familiarity

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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? At Generac, our people power what matters. As a Senior HR Generalist, you’ll drive impact by partnering with leaders and employees to build a high-performing, engaged workforce. Acting as a trusted advisor, you’ll guide employee relations, talent strategies, and organizational growth—while delivering strong, day-to-day HR support. This role blends strategy with action, requiring agility, collaboration, and influence across all levels. You’ll also help shape the employee experience through onboarding, engagement, and events that bring our culture to life. Major Responsibilities • Partners with internal customer groups to ensure coordination of HR programs and processes within a specific business function or segment of the company. • Handle more complex employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, mediation, and investigations into employee complaints or grievances. • Collaborate with department heads to identify leadership development needs and create targeted development programs. • Implements programs and policies that drive employee engagement and performance. • Serves as a trusted advisor for managers in employee relations, training and development of their teams. • Administers compensation programs, salary planning, and job evaluation. • Ensures personal and company compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; ensures compliance with company policies and procedures. • Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced HR staff, supporting their development and ability to handle routine HR functions. Minimum Job Requirements Education • Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources or related field or equivalent experience Work Experience • 5 years of experience in Human Resources ​ Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Ability to think strategically about HR initiatives and align them with organizational goals and long-term plans. • Ability to make high-level decisions regarding employee relations, policy development, and HR strategy, often under pressure. • Ability to mentor junior HR staff and develop leadership programs that enhance managerial skills across the organization. • Ability to lead and manage the human aspect of organizational change, including communication strategies and employee engagement during transitions. • Strong attention to legal compliance in all HR activities, ensuring that the organization follows applicable labor laws and regulations at all times. Preferred Job Requirements Certification / License • PHR Certification Work Experience • Experience implementing Human Resource processes and programs. • Experience in a manufacturing and/or technical environment. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software. • Workday experience • Proven track record of successfully managing shifting deadlines and priorities. • Demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict resolution. • Prior experience in fast paced, growth oriented company. • Ability to influence decision-making at the leadership level. “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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