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Sr Quality Manager

Generac · Waukesha, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 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 an 8D you led on a supplier issue that was hard to crack.

What they are checking: Real root cause leadership on escalated supplier problems.

Tell me about a time you had to tell Engineering or Sourcing that a launch wasn't ready.

What they are checking: Courage to hold a quality gate under schedule pressure.

How do you develop the people on your team into stronger supplier quality engineers?

What they are checking: Leadership and coaching as a senior manager.

What would you do

A key supplier keeps shipping defects but Sourcing says there is no alternative. What do you do?

What they are checking: Driving improvement with a sole source while protecting production.

How do you decide which suppliers need an on-site visit versus remote management?

What they are checking: Using risk to focus limited travel time on the suppliers that matter most.

A purchased finished good from overseas arrives with a design flaw. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Containment, supplier corrective action and design coordination on finished goods.

About the work

How do you make sure a new supplier's parts are ready for a production launch?

What they are checking: NPI supplier readiness, including PPAP or a similar process, which is the core of this role.

How do you organize a supplier quality team around commodities?

What they are checking: Structuring the team the posting says they will lead.

What measures do you use to show supplier quality is improving?

What they are checking: Data-driven continuous improvement across the supplier network.

How do you apply Lean thinking to supplier quality, not just to your own plants?

What they are checking: Extending Lean methods to suppliers, which the posting mentions.

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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 Senior Manager, Supplier Quality will lead advanced and current supplier quality initiatives, ensuring suppliers and components are ready to support successful product launches and ongoing production. This leader will partner closely with Engineering, Global Sourcing, manufacturing facilities, and suppliers to improve quality, resolve complex issues, and reduce risk. The role will lead a commodity-focused Supplier Quality team and drive continuous improvement across the supplier network. Travel to local facilities and global suppliers is required. Key Responsibilities: • Lead supplier quality activities for new product introductions (NPI) , ensuring suppliers, components, and purchased finished goods are ready for successful production launches. • Partner with Engineering, Global Sourcing, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to identify quality risks, improve performance, and ensure quality requirements are achieved. • Lead resolution of complex and escalated supplier quality issues using root cause analysis, corrective actions, 8D problem solving, Lean methodology, and statistical tools . • Support sourcing and supplier development activities through supplier assessments, design reviews, PPAP execution, audits, and identification of critical component characteristics . • Drive improvements to supplier quality systems and performance while identifying gaps, reducing risk, and advancing the Generac Quality Management System (GQMS) . • Monitor supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and scorecards to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and communicate performance to leadership. • Lead, coach, and develop a regional Supplier Quality team , establishing priorities and providing mentorship to achieve quality, cost, and project objectives. • Manage supplier quality concerns involving purchased components, including containment, corrective action, supplier recovery, and long-term quality improvement plans . • Coordinate supplier quality initiatives across multiple business groups and regions while managing key timelines, priorities, and milestones. Minimum Job Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Certification / License Work Experience • 7 years’ experience working in Quality Assurance in a plant or supplier quality role • 5 years’ experience working with an OEM company • 3 years’ experience working with PPAP procedures, APQP (Control Plan & PFMEA), PPAP and ISO • 3 years’ people management experience Foreign Language required based on region Experience in working with designated commodity Experience with the NPI process Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: • Demonstrated knowledge of the application and interpretation of manufacturing/quality metrics • Demonstrated knowledge in the implementation of lean principles and improvements Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work with teams to drive improvements Demonstrated ability to manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP business systems • Good presentation skills at all levels Use of advanced problem-solving skills to resolve difficult issues • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and problem solve in a fast-paced environment All KSAs at senior level should reflect an advanced level of knowledge, skill and/or ability Preferred Job Requirements: • Master’s degree Certification / License • Certified Quality Engineer Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Quality Auditor • Work Experience • Experience in a SQE role with an OEM company • Experience working with international companies and in matrix organizations • Product and process auditing experience • Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and statistical analysis software • Teaching, training, coaching, or mentoring experience 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. “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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