Prototype Shop Manager

Acuity 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 (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at

Work location:

• This position requires on-site presence in Des Plaines, IL, must report to the office every business day.

Job Summary

The Model Shop Manager at Acuity Brands Lighting is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Model Shop, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving continuous improvement in processes and team performance. This role involves managing a team of Model Makers, maintaining equipment and documentation, and collaborating with various departments to support business objectives.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Team Leadership & Development

• Interview and hire Model Maker candidates using standardized processes.
• Define role requirements, training plans, and development goals.
• Monitor employee progress, performance, and departmental priorities.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage compensation planning.
• Foster an open-door culture and promote Model Shop capabilities.
• Support engineering education and mentor LP participants in Model Shop processes and business operations.

Policies, Compliance & Supplier Management

• Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation, standard work, training records, SDSs, and compliance logs.
• Establish reporting, corrective action, and employee training procedures.
• Develop and manage supplier qualification, risk assessment, and scorecard programs to optimize quality, cost, and delivery.

Business Continuity & Documentation

• Maintain equipment records, maintenance schedules, supplier information, and contracts.
• Develop succession plans, job descriptions, and business continuity strategies.
• Document software, hardware, emergency procedures, PPE requirements, and financial records.
• Promote and communicate the Model Shop’s value to product development and company initiatives.

Customer Support & Operational Excellence

• Manage prototype request processes, lead times, standards, and customer communication.
• Maintain service line offerings and support cross-functional teams.
• Leverage Power Platform and data analytics to track performance, improve operations, and establish KPIs.
• Analyze service metrics to drive process improvements, investment decisions, and outsourcing strategies.

Capital & Financial Planning

• Develop capital and operating budgets using business and financial data.
• Create ROI analyses, business cases, and approval documentation.
• Coordinate sourcing, legal, finance, and facilities activities for equipment acquisition and implementation.
• Manage equipment lifecycle planning, including installation and disposal.

Internal Operations & Material Management

• Maintain safety, training, maintenance, and forklift certification records.
• Manage inventory and consumable materials to support rapid prototyping needs.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
• Implement safe work practices, environmental controls, and process capability improvements.
• Maintain tooling catalogs, process documentation, and alignment with POM requirements.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in managing a model shop or similar environment.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to material storage and disposal.
• Proficiency in using business intelligence tools and Microsoft Power Platform.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and develop business continuity plans.

Experience Requirements:

• 5-7 years of experience in a model shop, prototyping, or manufacturing environment.
• 3-5 years of managerial experience, preferably in a similar setting.
• Proven track record of team development and performance management.
• Experience with business continuity planning and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations related to material storage and disposal.
• Proficiency in using business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power Platform for data analysis and reporting, a plus.
• Strong background in capital and expense planning, including ROI analysis and business case development.

Soft Skills Requirements:

• Leadership: ability to inspire and motivate a team, set clear goals, and provide guidance and support.
• Communication: excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: strong analytical skills to identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement corrective actions.
• Time Management: ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability: adjust to changing priorities and work in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration: work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Conflict Resolution: handle conflicts professionally and find amicable solutions.
• Detail Oriented: ensure high-quality work and adherence to standards.
• Decision-Making: make informed choices that benefit the team and organization.
• Customer Focus: understand and meet the needs of internal and external customers.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Specialized manufacturing certificates such as: SOLIDWORKS CSWA, CNC programming and machine operation certifications, and additive manufacturing, or demonstration of high competence of any.
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, industrial design, manufacturing, or a related field a plus.

The range for this position is $83,000 to $111,000. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant’s experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please click here and here for more information.

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at View phone number on aiapply.co, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

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