Director, Manufacturing Operations (Des Plaines, IL)

We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet. 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.  
 
We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications. 

Position Summary & Location

As the Director of Operations, you will oversee all aspects of our distribution center operations, with a strong focus on implementing and advancing lean principles. Your leadership will be pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and team development, ensuring that our operations exceed industry standards in EH&S, quality, delivery, and productivity/cost.

This position works onsite from Des Plaines, IL.

 

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Set overall strategy for the Distribution Center; develop and implement specific short- and long-term plans and programs in order to support the operational goals and annual growth plans. Oversee the development and implementation of strategies, including but not limited to: performance metrics; technology, systems, equipment and facilities; logistics planning and output; policies & procedures; organizational development, workforce/capacity planning and training efforts.
• Responsible for the P&L of Distribution Center location; oversee the development of annual budgets to ensure facilities execute to minimize expenses. Review performance metrics against operating plans and standards; provide reports to direct reports on interpretation of results and provide direction to address issues. Diagnose operational issues and assist Managers in the development of solutions, action plans and communication to resolve issues.
• Lead and facilitate change management in support of organizational goals and an emphasis on continuous improvement.
• Continually assess adequacy of facilities, equipment and personnel to meet corporate goals and projected growth, and make timely recommendations to upgrade, improve, modify or expand resources, as necessary, to maintain operational excellence.
• Make maximum use of technology, including warehousing and product flow systems, to improve or enhance productivity throughout all distribution processes.

Qualifications

 

• Continuous Improvement Mindset - Capable of driving lean principles, standard work and process into operation. Utilizing Kanban and visual management tools. Focused on continuous improvement.
• Experience driving performance improvements, creating a culture of change within a large, complex and global organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop employees at all levels; build high impact cross functional teams, and improve site leadership capabilities.
• Outstanding communication skills, ability to effectively present information in response to questions and concerns from employees, managers, clients, and customers.
• Tactical and strategic thinking to set direction for a motivated and empowered staff.
• Strong and consistent sense of anticipation, urgency, creative problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Promotes Best Practices environment
• Experience with Warehouse Management System (WMS) implementation, optimization, and utilization preferred.
• Experience
• A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Logistics, Supply Chain or related discipline (Master's preferred).
• 6-8 years proven working experience in logistics, warehouse and/or distribution field, including people leadership.
• Demonstrated use of continuous improvement methodologies utilizing 5S, Standard Work, Problem Solving, Kanban and visual management tools.