Senior Manager UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager UX Design

Company: Generac Power Systems

Location: Pewaukee, WI - USA / Rockford, IL - USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Management

Date Posted: September 30, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of the user experience for Generac.com, driving digital transformation and ensuring a seamless, engaging customer journey across web and mobile platforms.

• Manage and mentor a team of UX designers and external agency partners, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement to deliver high-impact design solutions.

• Champion user-centered design principles, translating complex business objectives and customer needs into intuitive, effective, and aesthetically aligned digital interfaces.

• Drive the evolution of Generac's digital product ecosystem, ensuring consistency, usability, and brand integrity across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Manager, indicating significant leadership responsibility and strategic input, particularly concerning the Generac.com platform and its integration into a broader product ecosystem. The emphasis on B2C and B2B experience, along with managing agency partners, suggests a need for a versatile designer with strong project management and client-facing skills. The role requires a blend of strategic roadmap planning and day-to-day execution oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end user experience design process for Generac.com, from concept to implementation, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.

• Develop and execute a long-term UX design roadmap for digital platforms, anticipating future trends and technological advancements.

• Design innovative and intuitive user interfaces for web and mobile applications, focusing on creating seamless and engaging customer experiences.

• Conduct and leverage user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and drive iterative improvements.

• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, marketing, and business stakeholders to define requirements, pressure-test design feasibility, and ensure successful product launches.

• Guide the creation and maintenance of comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, personas, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Develop and enforce design systems and brand guidelines to ensure a consistent and cohesive user experience across all digital touchpoints.

• Manage and mentor a team of UX designers, providing coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.

• Effectively manage external agency partners to augment internal team bandwidth and leverage specialized expertise.

• Act as a key advisor to business unit leaders and marketing teams on how to best present messaging and product strategies through digital channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic leadership (roadmap planning, advising stakeholders, managing agencies) and hands-on design oversight (UI creation, user research, design systems). The emphasis on "new and unique elements" and "transforming digital platforms" suggests a significant opportunity for impact and innovation within the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in UX design, with a strong portfolio showcasing expertise in both web and mobile user interface and experience design.

• Minimum of 3 years of people management experience, including leading design projects and mentoring design teams.

• Preferred: 8+ years of overall relevant experience, including agency experience and significant B2B and B2B2C product experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, and InVision.

• Deep understanding and practical application of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Expertise in responsive and mobile-first design techniques.

• Proven ability to define new strategies, functions, and address organizational gaps within a digital product context.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal abilities, enabling effective collaboration both independently and within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling better collaboration with development teams and understanding of technical constraints.

• Experience managing and developing high-performing UX design teams.

• Experience working with external design agencies.

• Familiarity with product ecosystems and how individual products interact within a larger landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design skills, strategic leadership, and business understanding. The preference for agency and B2B/B2B2C experience suggests the role will involve navigating more complex stakeholder environments and business models than a purely B2C focus. The mention of an MBA as a plus indicates that an understanding of business strategy and market dynamics is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a strong command of UX design principles and methodologies across web and mobile platforms.

• Case studies showcasing successful B2C and B2B digital product designs, highlighting problem identification, solution development, and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of user research, usability testing, and how insights were integrated into design iterations.

• Prototypes and high-fidelity designs that effectively communicate complex user flows and interface interactions.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, personas, wireframes, and design specifications.

• Showcase understanding and application of design systems and style guides to ensure brand consistency and design scalability.

• Examples of how user feedback and data analysis were used to iterate and improve designs over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase design execution but also strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to manage complex projects. Emphasis should be placed on how the candidate has influenced product strategy and team development through their design leadership. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and their impact on business objectives is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Manager title, experience requirements (5-8+ years), and location in Wisconsin/Illinois, a competitive salary range for this role in the US is estimated between $130,000 and $180,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX design leadership roles in manufacturing and technology sectors within the Midwest region, considering Generac's status as a leading energy technology company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and equity.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available for specific tasks or project needs, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general US market data for similar roles and locations. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's exact experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation. Benefits are standard for a large, established company like Generac.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Technology / Manufacturing. Generac is a pioneer in the home standby generator market and is expanding into broader energy technology solutions, including storage and power management. This industry context means a focus on reliability, innovation, and customer empowerment.

Company Size: Generac is a large, established company with a significant global presence, likely employing thousands of individuals. This size implies structured processes, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and potential for career advancement within a large organization.

Founded: Founded over 60 years ago, Generac has a long history of innovation and market leadership. This longevity suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team likely operates within a broader Product Development, Engineering, or Digital Transformation division.

• Reporting structure will be to a Director or VP of Digital Experience/Product Design, with direct reports being UX Designers and potentially agency leads.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and user-centricity are likely core to the design process.

• Agile methodologies are probably employed for product development and design sprints.

• Emphasis on continuous improvement and iterative design cycles to refine user experiences.

• A blend of strategic planning and agile execution to balance long-term vision with short-term delivery needs.

Company Website: https://www.generac.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Generac's position as an energy technology leader suggests a culture that values innovation, reliability, and practical solutions. For a UX Manager, understanding the core needs of homeowners and businesses relying on their products will be key. The company's size offers stability and resources, while its long history provides a foundation of established practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Manager within UX Design, placing it at a significant leadership level. It involves direct people management, strategic decision-making for a key digital platform (Generac.com), and significant influence over user experience across B2C and B2B contexts. This is a role that requires both deep design expertise and strong leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager UX Design will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Digital Experience, Product Design, or a similar senior leadership role. They will manage a team of UX designers and oversee relationships with external agencies. This position is critical in bridging the gap between high-level business strategy and the detailed execution of user-facing digital products.

Operations Impact: The Senior Manager UX Design has a direct and substantial impact on Generac's revenue and business success. A well-designed Generac.com can:

• Improve lead generation and conversion rates for B2B and B2C customers.

• Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty through intuitive product discovery and support.

• Drive adoption of new energy technology solutions by making them accessible and understandable.

• Strengthen brand perception and market positioning through a professional and engaging digital presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in managing design teams, developing design systems, and leading UX strategy for large-scale digital platforms. Potential to gain experience in enterprise-level product ecosystems.

• Industry Specialization: Further develop understanding of the energy technology sector, including IoT, smart home integration, and renewable energy solutions, and how UX design plays a role.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Director-level positions overseeing larger design teams, multiple product lines, or broader digital strategy initiatives within Generac. Could also explore roles in product management or digital transformation leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential for experienced UX professionals looking to move into leadership. The emphasis on B2B and product ecosystems indicates a path towards more complex enterprise-level design challenges and strategic business impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site, indicating a traditional office environment with dedicated workspaces for the design team. This setting facilitates in-person collaboration, team building, and direct interaction with other departments.

Office Location(s): The primary locations mentioned are Pewaukee, WI (HQ) and Rockford, IL. These are established industrial and suburban hubs, offering a typical US work environment.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork among the UX design team and with cross-functional partners.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and technology infrastructure to support creative work and prototyping.

• Opportunities for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team meetings.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with a focus on on-site presence.

• While core hours will be defined, there may be flexibility for project deadlines or specific team needs, but the emphasis is on consistent in-office availability for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a company culture that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which can be beneficial for complex design projects requiring frequent interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will conduct an initial review of applications and resumes, assessing for minimum qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. This stage often includes questions about past project successes and challenges.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio. This is a critical step where candidates will showcase their best work, explain their design process, and demonstrate their ability to articulate design decisions and their impact. Expect to present case studies related to B2C and B2B web/mobile experiences.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with other UX designers, product managers, and potentially engineering leads to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and team dynamics compatibility.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Digital) to discuss overall strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and final alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in B2C, B2B, web/mobile design, and any product ecosystem work. Prioritize projects where you had significant leadership or strategic input.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable business impact or outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) effectively.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience in managing teams, mentoring designers, and collaborating with stakeholders. Showcase how you've influenced strategy and driven design excellence.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain your design thinking, user research methodologies, and how you incorporate feedback and data into your iterations.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss trade-offs, challenges encountered, and how you navigated them. Be prepared to defend your design decisions and articulate their business value.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study discussion. This might involve analyzing a current Generac digital property, proposing improvements, or solving a hypothetical UX problem related to their industry.

• Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and presentation suggests that demonstrating practical design skills and the ability to articulate them effectively is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their leadership experience and strategic contributions as much as their design execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision. Proficiency in at least one, with familiarity across others, is expected.

• Wireframing & Flow Mapping: Tools like Balsamiq, Miro, or similar for conceptualizing user flows and basic layouts.

• User Research & Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal methods for conducting research and usability studies.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand user behavior on Generac.com.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboards to interpret performance metrics and user data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation tools impact the user journey on Generac.com would be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core UX design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The role also benefits from an understanding of analytics and how to leverage data to inform design decisions. Familiarity with common web development technologies (HTML, CSS, JS) is a plus for better collaboration with engineering.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A drive to explore new technologies and design approaches to enhance the energy technology experience.

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of B2C homeowners and B2B partners.

• Reliability & Quality: Upholding the high standards associated with Generac's products in the digital experience.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive user experiences.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights from user research and analytics to guide design choices.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and communicative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional partnerships.

• Encourages constructive feedback and iterative design critiques.

• Values a proactive approach to problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.

• Fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to better design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and history suggest a culture that values practical innovation, reliability, and customer focus. For a UX leader, demonstrating how these values translate into design strategy and team management will be key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing B2C and B2B Needs: Designing for distinct user groups with different motivations, technical proficiencies, and business objectives on a single platform (Generac.com).

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping Generac's digital presence competitive and innovative in the fast-paced energy technology sector.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning diverse stakeholder needs and priorities with user-centered design principles and business goals.

• Scaling Design Operations: Ensuring design systems and processes can effectively support a growing portfolio of digital products and features.

• Leading and Developing a Team: Mentoring designers, managing performance, and fostering a high-performing, creative team culture.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic UX Leadership: Gaining experience in developing and executing UX strategy for a major corporate website and potentially its interconnected product ecosystem.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the energy technology sector and its unique UX challenges and opportunities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhancing skills in working with product management, engineering, marketing, and sales leadership.

• Mentorship and Management: Developing leadership capabilities through direct management and team development.

• Innovation Exposure: Staying at the forefront of UX trends and technologies relevant to the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior leadership role in a large company with diverse product offerings. The growth opportunities are substantial for a UX professional looking to expand their strategic and leadership horizons.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a long-term UX roadmap for a complex digital platform like Generac.com, considering both business objectives and user needs."

• "How do you balance the needs of B2C and B2B users on a single website? Provide an example from your experience."

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions on a design direction. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you measure the success of UX initiatives, and what key metrics do you track for a website like Generac.com?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what opportunities do you see for enhancing the user experience on Generac.com?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within a design team?"

• "What excites you about Generac's mission and its role in the energy technology industry?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Leadership and Strategy: Emphasize your strategic contributions, team management, and how you drove outcomes beyond just design execution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate increases, reduction in support tickets, user satisfaction scores).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges.

• Connect to Generac: Where possible, subtly connect your experience and approach to Generac's industry, products, and potential business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles applied within a business context. Quantifiable results and clear communication of process are essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Manager UX Design position at Generac Power Systems:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Generac careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in UX design leadership, B2C/B2B projects, web/mobile design, and team management. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., UX Design, User Research, Prototyping, Team Management, Generac.com, Digital Platforms).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest case studies that showcase your strategic approach, design process, leadership experience, and measurable impact. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your expertise in web and mobile UX, and ideally, B2B and product ecosystems.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your process, and demonstrating the business value of your design solutions. Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and strategic vision.

• Research Generac: Familiarize yourself with Generac's products, mission, and current digital presence (Generac.com) to understand their business context and identify potential areas for UX improvement.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.