Director, Manufacturing Operations (Des Plaines, IL)
We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more for our customers, our communities, and our planet. Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. 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, developing technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions.
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 the overall strategy for the Distribution Center and develop and implement specific short- and long-term plans and programs to support the operational goals and annual growth plans.
- Oversee the development and implementation of strategies, including performance metrics, technology, systems, equipment, logistics planning and output, policies and procedures, organizational development, workforce/capacity planning, and training efforts.
- Responsible for the P&L of the 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 problems and assist managers in developing solutions and action plans, as well as communicating to resolve issues.
- Lead and facilitate change management to support organizational goals and emphasize continuous improvement.
- Continually assess the 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.
- Continually evaluate warehouse scheduling and determine the optimum balance that will achieve the desired level of customer service at the lowest overall cost.
- Develop productivity standards for Distribution Center functions and use them to evaluate individual performance, identify training needs, improve overall operations, and budget for labor requirements.
- Foster a culture focused on employee engagement, empowerment, and accountability—champion initiatives for career development, training, and skill enhancement programs.
- Monitor productivity performance plans for the Shipping and Receiving departments, develop productivity guidelines, and ensure goals are met.
- Review, monitor, and report on product issues related to “returns” from the delivery teams; determine why the product is being returned and communicate any problems to the appropriate department heads.
Qualifications
- Continuous Improvement Mindset - Capable of driving lean principles, standard work and process into operation. Utilizing Kanban and visual management tools.
- 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.
- Experience with Warehouse Management System (WMS) implementation, optimization, and utilization preferred.
- 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.
- Asian sourced goods experience beneficial.
- Union experience is beneficial.
- Experience in developing metrics and KPI’s.
- Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organization skills.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects.
- Available to travel up to 20% of the time.
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